In 2025, PayU, a prominent fintech platform, carried on a number of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects as part of its unwavering commitment to furthering the financial inclusion drive and India’s digitisation mission. Over 50,000 rural beneficiaries, over 140 women in important villages in states like Maharashtra, etc., as well as roughly 450 students and educators in India, have directly benefited from PayU’s multifaceted programmes, which are intended to close the digital divide and empower marginalised communities across the country since 2024. PayU worked with important organisations, such as the Data Security Council of India (DSCI) and NeevJivan NGO, to advance this aim.

Richa Mukherjee, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs and Public Policy, stated, “PayU’s dedication to social impact extends beyond financial inclusion – we’re constructing digitally safe and economically empowered communities from the ground up.” These initiatives reflect our conviction that entrepreneurship and technology have the power to change people’s lives. We are bringing about long-lasting change that advances the goal of Digital India when we witness women starting sustainable companies or rural youngsters grasping cybersecurity principles. PayU transformed cybersecurity education in rural Karnataka through its Cyber for Youth Program in collaboration with the Data Security Council of India (DSCI). Through interactive tests, poster contests, and live demonstrations in regional languages, important subjects including preventing cyberbullying, social media safety, and knowledge of digital payment fraud are covered. Students’ knowledge increase rates varied from 62.5% to 82.3% across several schools, confirming the programme’s effectiveness through thorough pre- and post-assessments.

PayU’s “Model Village Program”, which aims to encourage women entrepreneurs in the Maharashtra regions of Nashik, Dahanu, and Jawhar, was conducted in partnership with the NeevJivan NGO. Women now have viable alternative means of income thanks to the initiative’s introduction of sustainable livelihood projects like vermicomposting, chicken farming, mushroom farming, and beekeeping.

With goods like “Madhu” for honey and “Mastshroom” for mushrooms, the programme offered complete support, including 30-45 days of entrepreneurial instruction and strategic branding advice. PayU’s dedication to economic empowerment through innovation is demonstrated by the initiative’s successful establishment of 14 sustainable initiatives, which gave every participating home access to new revenue-generating opportunities.