PM Modi launches BHIM app for easy digital transactions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched a new mobile app ‘BHIM’ named after Dalit icon Bhim Rao Ambedkar — that does not need Internet or a high-end smartphone.

He called it as his government’s gift to the nation on the New Year. The BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money) app is a re-branded version of the UPI (Unified Payment Interface) and USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) meant to facilitate users with “faster, easier and reliable” cashless transactions.

“In two weeks, we will make one more accomplishment. Its security is being worked on. It will empower BHIM. You will only require your thumb to make a payment,” Modi said.

Prime Minister was addressing a ‘Digi Dhan Mela,’ organised by the Ministry of Information Technology and Communication at Talkatora Stadium. He made cashless payment to the Khadi Gram Udyog using BHIM app, purchasing an item at the event.“Entire business and trade would soon be taking place through the BHIM app. Ambedkar’s name is going to take the centre stage of the nation’s economy in the coming days,” he said.

The new mobile app, which was made available for download at Google Play, can



facilitate users with easy and faster digital transaction with a maximum limit of Rs 10,000 per transaction and Rs 20,000 within 24 hours, according to app specification posted on the Google Play by the developer, National Payments Corporation of India.

As many as 32 banks are currently in the list of the app for digital transaction. The mobile app currently is supported by Hindi and English languages. 

“More than 100 crore people of this country are enrolled to Aaadhar. The country also has more than 100 crore mobile phones. How big would it be a revolution once this (use of BHIM with thumb) begins in the next two weeks? I see it very clearly that BHIM will emerge as the biggest wonder in the world,” Modi said.

Prime Minister said the BHIM app will not only facilitate easy digital transaction but also benefit people of the country in many ways.“A washer man will be able to get loan from bank with the use of BHIM app by showing records of his transaction. Such e-banking system is going to be developed through BHIM platform,” he said.

Modi said migration from cash to cashless economy would take India to greater heights and bring back its glory.