Sabeer Bhatia, co-founder of Hotmail, recently stirred controversy on the Prakhar Ke Pravachan podcast by questioning India's $1.5 billion investment in UPI and Aadhaar. He argues that while these initiatives are technologically impressive, they fail to address deeper socio-economic issues.

A Misplaced Priority?

Bhatia believes India should prioritize education, healthcare, and infrastructure over digital transactions. "What's the use of UPI if the average Indian doesn't have enough money to transact?" he asked, criticizing the government's focus.

UPI and Aadhaar: Boon or Burden?

UPI has made payments seamless, but critics argue it benefits fintech companies more than the common citizen. Aadhaar, while streamlining identification, has been plagued by data breaches and authentication failures, excluding many from essential services.

Supporters highlight UPI's role in financial inclusion and Aadhaar's success in reducing welfare leakages. Yet, India still struggles with poverty, unemployment, and weak infrastructure.

Progress vs. Practical Needs

Bhatia's critique raises an important question: Should India focus on high-tech advancements at the cost of basic human needs? While digital progress is undeniable, its real impact on economic upliftment remains debatable. The conversation is far from over.