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The establishment of ‘Payment Banks’ is being allowed in India to promote financial inclusion. Which of the following statements is/are correct in this context?

  1. Mobile telephone companies and supermarket chains that are owned and controlled by residents are eligible to be promoters of Payment Banks.
  2. Payment Banks can issue both credit cards and debit cards
  3. Payment banks cannot undertake lending activities.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 1 and 3 only
  3. 2 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct
  • Eligible promoters: NBFCs, individuals, corporations, mobile phone companies, supermarket chains, real estate cooperatives, and public sector entities.
Statement 2 is incorrect and statement 3 is correct
  • What is not allowed?
    • No credit risk involved. (it can’t advance loans or issue credit cards)
    • They cannot accept NRI deposits.
  • What is allowed?
    • Can accept demand deposits (up to Rs 1 lakh).
    • Offer remittance services.
    • Mobile payments/transfers/purchases.
    • Other banking services like ATM/debit cards, net banking and third-party fund transfers.

Infographic explaining payment banks, highlighting their purpose to increase financial services in remote areas by operating on a smaller scale than regular banks. It details eligible promoters, restrictions like no credit risk or CERS deposits, allowed services such as deposits up to 2 lakh rupees and remittance, regulatory provisions, minimum capital requirements, and promoters' contribution rules, using icons, color-coded sections, and brief text blocks.

Answer: (b) 1 and 3; Difficulty Level: Medium
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