From April 1, there may be a problem in making UPI payments from Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm etc. NPCI has instructed banks and UPI apps to remove inactive mobile numbers from the system. Also, it has been asked to release a list of such numbers every week.

The rules are going to change from April 1 for those doing UPI through Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm. Recently, the National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) has given instructions to remove those mobile numbers linked to UPI from the bank account, which are not active for a long time. If your bank account is also linked to a mobile number which is not active, then it will be removed. After this you may face problems in making UPI payments.

The decision was taken due to this reason

NPCI has taken this decision in view of the increasing cases of cyber crime happening every day. National Payment Corporation says that mobile numbers which are no longer being used i.e. which are not active are creating technical problems in the banking and UPI system. If telecom operators have issued these numbers in someone else's name, then this can increase the risk of fraud. The government's job is to keep people safe and protect them from fraud.

It is very important to link the mobile number to the bank account to make UPI payment. Mobile number is a means of identification while making UPI payment. This means that whenever you make a payment, the mobile number ensures whether the money is reaching the right person or not. If a number is not active and has been allotted to someone else, then there is a possibility of payment failing or there is also a possibility of it reaching another person's account.

What to do?

If a mobile number is linked to any of your bank accounts which is no longer active or you have not recharged it for a long time, then you have to confirm with your telecom service providers (Jio, Airtel, Vi, BSNL) whether this number is active in your name or not. If the number is not active, then you should activate it immediately or change the mobile number on your bank account.

NPCI has recently instructed banks and UPI apps to update the list of deleted mobile numbers every week. This will ensure that after April 1, the inactive mobile number is removed from the banking system.