CBSE directs schools to promote use of digital payments via UPI, RuPay cards

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has asked its affiliated schools to promote the use of digital payments in accordance with the norms of the department financial services (DFS), ministry of finance, government of India.

CBSE has directed schools to enable digital payments, including Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and RuPay cards, across all payment touchpoints, including fees, canteen, libraries, and other services.

However, CBSE schools in low-connectivity areas can adopt UPI Lite, UPI LiteX, and UPI123PAY. CBSE has also asked schools to conduct demonstrations and provide guided support to ease the adoption of digital payments.

In a letter to school heads and managers, CBSE has asked its affiliated schools to adopt a comprehensive ‘digital payments promotion plan’ to expand access, increase usage, and promote safe digital payment practices nationwide.

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CBSE: Digital literacy in schools

CBSE has directed schools to incorporate digital payment awareness into teacher training programmes and hold school-level campaigns to promote financial literacy modules, including digital payments.

Furthermore, schools have also been asked to run awareness campaigns for parents, encouraging safe and convenient use of digital payments. These drives can be held on campus, at school events, and during parent-teacher meetings.

Notably, schools can also join the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) to collect fees in a standardised, secure, and interoperable manner. The board has advised that schools may integrate with ERP systems to simplify recurring payments, including staff salaries.