From Ledger Books to UPI: How Haridwar's Small Shops Went Digital
QR codes now hang beside brass bells. How digital payments changed daily trade in the pilgrim city.
BusinessWalk through any Haridwar bazaar today and you'll see QR code stickers on almost every counter, from flower sellers at the ghats to old sweet shops. In just a few years, digital payments have become part of everyday trade.
Why it caught on
Pilgrims from across India arrive carrying less cash than before. Shopkeepers found that accepting UPI brought in more customers and fewer arguments over change. Voice alerts that announce each payment out loud made it easier for busy counters to confirm payments.
What hasn't changed
Many traders still keep handwritten ledgers alongside their phones, especially for regular customers and credit sales. Bargaining is as common as ever. Only the way people pay has changed.
Staying safe
- Check the payee name before you confirm a payment.
- Shopkeepers should confirm payments in their own app, not from a customer's screen.
- Report suspicious requests to your bank or the national cybercrime helpline.
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