Facilitating Accessibility to Digital Payment Systems for Persons with Disabilities – Guidelines
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued guidelines aimed at improving accessibility to digital payment systems for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). This move follows the RBI’s Master Circular on Customer Service in Banks, dated July 01, 2015, which instructed banks to ensure that all banking services are accessible to differently abled persons. Additionally, the guidelines reference the “Accessibility Standards and Guidelines for the Banking Sector,” notified by the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, on February 02, 2024.
As the adoption of digital payment systems is increasing across all sections of the population, including PWDs, the RBI has emphasized the need for Payment System Participants (PSPs)—which include banks and authorized non-bank payment system providers—to ensure accessibility. PSPs are advised to review their payment systems and devices, such as Point-of-Sale (POS) machines, to identify areas where modifications are necessary to make them accessible and easy to use for Persons with Disabilities. The goal is to promote inclusive access without compromising the security features of the payment systems.
In adhering to these guidelines, PSPs are required to align with the Accessibility Standards issued by the Ministry of Finance, which outline specific measures to facilitate ease of access for PWDs. These standards apply to all types of payment devices and systems, and PSPs must take care to ensure that any modifications or enhancements they make do not negatively impact the security or integrity of their payment processes.
To comply with these guidelines, PSPs must submit a detailed report to the RBI within one month of the circular’s issue date. This report should outline the systems or devices that need to be modified, along with a time-bound action plan for making the necessary improvements. PSPs are also required to nominate a Nodal Officer who will act as the point of contact for any further queries or clarifications that may arise.
These directives have been issued by the RBI under Section 18, read with Section 10 (2), of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007. By ensuring accessibility in digital payment systems, the RBI aims to make financial services more inclusive, ensuring that Persons with Disabilities can engage with and benefit from the evolving digital economy on an equal footing.
