A visually impaired beggar in Assam’s Guwahati was lately discovered asking for alms with the assistance of a PhonePe QR code card slung round his neck. A video of him receiving on-line fee from one other man highlighted expertise’s energy to transcend socioeconomic boundaries.

“Stumbled upon a remarkable scene in bustling Guwahati – a beggar seamlessly integrating digital transactions into his plea for help, using PhonePe! Technology truly knows no bounds,” Congress chief Gaurav Somani captioned the clip on X. “It’s a testament to the power of technology to transcend barriers, even those of socio-economic status. A thought-provoking moment that speaks volumes about the evolving landscape of compassion and innovation.”

In the video, the beggar approaches two folks in a automotive, and one in all them scans the PhonePe QR code to ship him Rs 10. The beggar, who stated his identify is Dashrath, holds his telephone near his ear to listen to the announcement of the cash being deposited in his account.

Dashrath, nonetheless, is not the one one who has switched to digital funds to enhance his earnings. In New Delhi, Ayesha Sharma, a 29-year-old transwoman, has additionally been gathering cash by UPI fee apps. It has additionally inspired folks to provide her cash even when they don’t have small change.

Sharma, who has been begging within the streets since 2006 advised Al Jazeera that a few quarter of her earnings are by the digital mode. “It is so much easier now. Even though people are not always carrying cash, they can still donate to us by just scanning this code,” she stated. “We may be beggars, but we should still be treated with respect and decency,” she stated and digital transactions have to date spared them from visiting banks the place they continuously encounter prejudice and discrimination.

Last 12 months, a video of a transwoman in Bengaluru accepting cash by UPI went viral.

In the clip, the transwoman is seen requesting for some cash from a motorcycle rider who requested if she had any alternate mode of fee besides money. To which, she shortly drew out a card with a QR code. The man on the bike then efficiently transferred some cash to her.