Apart from the prevailing payment system such as UPI, NEFT, RTGS, credit-debit-prepaid cards, India needs a separate payment system that is light weight and leaner (no complex network and IT infrastructure). It can work when the existing systems are disrupted due to breakdown of information and communication infrastructure. This could be because of catastrophic events such as acts of God or natural disasters and conflict.

It is wise to have a light and portable system, independent of conventional technologies. It should have minimal hardware and software requirements. A catastrophic event would not be able to impede its performance. It could be run from anywhere with a bare minimum staff.

The RBI wants this system to have near zero-downtime of payment and settlement.

The system will keep liquidity intact in the economy. It will facilitate the essential services, e.g. bulk payments, inter-bank payments and cash availability to institutions.

The system will have simplified system of authentication and verification — there could be a master password for access, and a service authentication password.