Digital finance agenda shifts focus to access, infrastructure and trust
The communications minister says broadband, 5G reach and interoperable networks are the foundation for inclusive financial services.
Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia used an address at Global Fintech Festival 2026 to argue that intelligent financial services must begin with inclusion and trust.
He said broadband access had risen from about 6 crore to 103 crore in a decade and that 5G reached 99.9% of districts and about 85% of the population within 26 months. He also placed FY2025-26 UPI volume at roughly 24,162 crore transactions worth about Rs 314 lakh crore.
Why it matters
Digital finance depends on more than applications. Coverage, affordable data, interoperable public infrastructure and confidence in the system determine who can use financial services reliably.
SCULTRA point of view
Infrastructure scale is a necessary foundation, but inclusion should be measured through successful use, service reliability, fraud outcomes and the ability of underserved customers to obtain suitable products.
Limitations
The figures are ministerial statements reported by PIB. The release does not provide underlying tables or an independent assessment of service quality, rural experience or financial outcomes.
Source: Press Information Bureau / Ministry of Communications, 10 September 2026, 10:30 PM IST.