CBSE pushes digital payments in schools, urges safe transaction practices

CBSE has asked affiliated schools to expand digital payment facilities across fees, canteens, libraries and other services, following a communication from the Finance Ministry. The advisory also pushes awareness drives, teacher training and assisted payment support so students, parents and staff can use digital systems safely.

In Short

• Schools may add UPI and RuPay across multiple payment touch-points
• Offline-friendly options were suggested for campuses with weak internet connectivity
• Demonstrations and assisted facilities can help families learn transaction methods

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a notice advising all affiliated schools to promote digital payment systems across various financial activities. The advisory aims to expand access, encourage wider adoption and raise awareness about safe digital transactions among students, parents and school staff.

The move follows a communication from the Department of Financial Services (DFS), the Ministry of Finance, and the Government of India. CBSE has asked school heads and managers to take appropriate measures to facilitate digital payments across various school-related transactions.

DIGITAL PAYMENTS TO BE ENABLED ACROSS SCHOOL SERVICES

CBSE has suggested that schools provide digital payment facilities at various payment touch-points, including school fees, canteens, libraries and other services. Schools may enable payment options such as the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and RuPay cards to facilitate transactions.

The advisory also takes into account schools located in areas with limited internet connectivity. Such institutions have been encouraged to consider alternative digital payment options, including UPI Lite, UPI LiteX and UPI 123PAY.

The Board has further suggested that schools conduct demonstrations and provide assisted payment facilities where required to help students, parents and other members of the school community become familiar with digital payment methods.

BBPS, ERP SYSTEMS TO SUPPORT FEE AND RECURRING PAYMENTS

As part of the initiative, CBSE has advised schools to consider onboarding onto the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) for standardised, secure and interoperable fee collection.

Schools may also integrate payment facilities with their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. According to the advisory, such integration can help streamline recurring financial transactions, including payments such as staff salaries.

The measures are intended to make school-related financial transactions more organised while providing users with greater access to established digital payment channels.

SCHOOLS ASKED TO BOOST DIGITAL FINANCIAL LITERACY

The CBSE advisory also places emphasis on awareness and digital financial literacy. Schools have been encouraged to incorporate digital payment awareness into teacher training programmes and school-level campaigns.

Financial literacy modules covering digital payments may also be promoted among students. In addition, schools have been advised to organise awareness programmes for parents focusing on the safe and convenient use of digital payment systems.

Such awareness drives may be conducted on school campuses, during school events and through parent-teacher interactions.

The CBSE has stated that the circular was issued with the approval of the Competent Authority of the Board. The advisory, therefore, places the focus not only on expanding digital payment infrastructure in schools but also on ensuring that students, parents and staff understand how to use such systems safely and effectively.

With the latest advisory, CBSE has encouraged affiliated schools to strengthen digital payment facilities while simultaneously building greater awareness and financial literacy across the school community.

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