Driving nationwide digital payment awareness through SMS and mobile engagement

DigiVAARTA

As part of the Government of India’s mission to promote digital payments, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched DigiVAARTA, a citizen communication initiative. CDFI supported the project by developing and managing campaign content through Samwad, securing TRAI approvals, and coordinating with NIC to establish a toll-free number (14444) for two-way citizen interaction via SMS and mobile app. The platform enables the government to directly engage citizens, share verified information, and encourage adoption of UPI, BHIM, and other digital payment modes.
19
+
million+ SMS messages exchanged across India
12
+
million+ citizens reached through the campaign
Region
Across India
Start Date
28 September 2018
Status
Completed
Lead Partner
Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY)
Benefeciaries
Citizens across India

Connecting millions of Indians to digital payments, one message at a time.

Initial problem

Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY)

CDFI collaborated with MeitY, Samwad, and NIC to conceptualise, design, and implement DigiVAARTA, a large-scale communication platform for digital payment promotion. The initiative leveraged both SMS and a mobile app to deliver educational content on safe and convenient digital payment options. CDFI’s role included developing multilingual content, obtaining TRAI approval, coordinating technical integration with NIC’s SMS gateway, and supporting campaign rollout across India.

The solution we implemented

Impact of DigiVAARTA

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), launched on 31st December 2016 envisions to provide cash incentive amounting to ₹5,000 directly to the Bank/ Post Office Account of Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers (PW&LM) during pregnancy and lactation period

19 Million+ Messages Exchanged

Citizens across India received verified digital payment awareness content through SMS and mobile app.

Nationwide Toll-Free Access

Toll-free number 14444 enabled SMS and IVR-based engagement between citizens and government.

Multilingual Communication

Content developed and distributed in two languages for maximum inclusivity.

Built for awareness. Designed for inclusion.

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), launched on 31st December 2016 envisions to provide cash incentive amounting to ₹5,000 directly to the Bank/ Post Office Account of Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers (PW&LM) during pregnancy and lactation period

Government Collaboration

Developed in partnership with MeitY, NIC, and Samwad under the Digidhan Mission.

Nationwide Rollout

System integrated within NIC infrastructure for secure, high-scale message delivery.

Sustainable Platform

Ready infrastructure for future citizen engagement campaigns beyond digital payments.

Features of the Implementation

SMS and app-based citizen engagement system
Integration with NIC SMS Gateway
Toll-free number 14444 for nationwide access
Multilingual content approved by TRAI
Mobile app for interactive communication
Analytics to track message delivery and engagement

Benefits of the Implementation

Promoted safe and inclusive digital payment practices
Enabled government-to-citizen communication at scale
Increased awareness of digital payment modes (UPI, BHIM, IMPS, etc.)
Fostered trust and familiarity with cashless systems
Strengthened citizen engagement under Digidhan Mission

How the solution bought an impact of scale

Pregnant and lactating mothers benefitted
15
MN+
Pregnant and lactating mothers benefitted
15
MN+
Pregnant and lactating mothers benefitted
15
MN+
Awards and Recognitions

Research

Meghalaya government won the Skoch Award. The award was won in theGold category to Improve Social Parameters’ in the state’s South West Garo Hills region.

Research

Meghalaya government won the Skoch Award. The award was won in theGold category to Improve Social Parameters’ in the state’s South West Garo Hills region.

Research

Meghalaya government won the Skoch Award. The award was won in theGold category to Improve Social Parameters’ in the state’s South West Garo Hills region.

Research

Meghalaya government won the Skoch Award. The award was won in theGold category to Improve Social Parameters’ in the state’s South West Garo Hills region.