RBI Launches Digital Payments Awareness Week 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launches the Digital Payments Awareness Week (DPAW) 2026. It took place on March 9, 2026, in order to let users leverage a safe online payment ecosystem with secure and responsible digital payment usage.

It is part of the national campaign named “Har Payment Digital”. This campaign aims to increase the digital payment adoption across all sections of society within the country.

The campaign will continue till 15 March 2026, which focuses on educating the citizens about safe digital transactions and avoiding fraud by clarifying the important practices for fraud prevention.

DPAW is joined by Rajneesh Kumar, Deputy General Manager of SBI Kanpur. He added that “Awareness is the most effective way to prevent fraud. Further added that if anyone suspects fraud, they should immediately inform their bank or the police. - Kumar Said.

The RBI regional director, Rajeeve Dwivedi, also joins the initiative and said, “Extreme caution is necessary to avoid digital fraud. While mobile phones and the internet are useful, users should not become dependent or careless. And be careful when sharing personal information such as photos, birth dates, and addresses on social media.

What Does the 2026 Theme Emphasize?

This year’s theme emphasizes “Safe Digital Payments”. It carries a message “Thoda Dhayaan Se” (Be Careful, Be Alert). In order to encourage cautious online transactions.

However, the special outreach programs are also being conducted for Self Help Group (SHGs), which include the rural communities. It will improve financial literacy and digital payment usage.

The Role of Women and SHGs

The initiative of the digital payment initiative week includes the significant role of both women and self-help groups (SHGs). It aims to drive rural economic development and financial inclusion.

Every awareness campaign and workshop is designed to educate people about digital payment safety and digital hygiene. Its goal is especially for all the underserved as well as the remote areas.

RBI’s digital payment awareness week program brings together banks, payment ecosystem stakeholders, and local authorities. It strengthens the digital payment adoption at the grassroots level.

Further, the campaign reflects the regulator’s broader effort to build trust in digital payments. At the same time, it addresses the rising risk of online fraud.