BHIM payments app proves a hit despite glitches

Within a few days of its launch by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) mobile app is already a blockbuster, with more than 30 lakh people having already downloaded it. The BHIM app has also reached the number 1 level in Google Playstore among top free Android apps, even ahead of MyJio app and WhatsApp.

Transaction volumes using BHIM have also started surging. ''There were 45,000 transactions worth Rs3.7 crore on January 2'', says A P Hota, managing director and chief executive of NPCI, which is responsible for the app.

Several banks have already launched their own mobile apps based on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) platform. So what is the purpose of this new app? ''The main purpose of BHIM App is to provide uniform experience of UPI and also to support those banks who have not developed any UPI app for their customers as yet'', says Hota. It is also useful for customers who don't want install separate app for their different bank accounts.

However, there are several complaints from its users. These include `not able to install the App', `not able to transfer or receive money after installation', `no confirmation of money sent or received', etc. There are also instances of failed transactions (ie money goes from sender's account, but the same not promptly received at the other end). To mitigate all these bugs, NPCI is expected to hit the market with a new version. ''We are now implementing several suggestions received so far and the new version will be launched soon,'' says Hota.