The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has issued an addendum to its previous circular (NPCI/UPI/OC-115/2021-22 dated July 20, 2021) concerning the rollout of the “Numeric UPI ID Mapper” to enable “UPI Number.” This initiative aims to enhance interoperability and user convenience in mobile number-based UPI payments, particularly benefiting feature phone users.

Key directives include:

1. Regular Database Updates: Banks and Payment Service Provider (PSP) applications are required to utilize the Mobile Number Revocation List/Digital Intelligence Platform (MNRL/DIP) to update their databases at least weekly. This measure addresses issues arising from recycled or churned mobile numbers, reducing potential transaction errors.
2. Explicit User Consent for UPI Number Seeding/Porting: UPI applications must obtain clear user consent for seeding or porting UPI Numbers. The consent process should:
   • Offer an opt-in mechanism (default setting should be opt-out).
   • Provide clear, non-intrusive communication without misleading or forceful messaging.
   • Avoid suggesting that users will stop receiving money via UPI if they do not take action on seeding the number in the mapper.
3. Local Resolution of UPI Numbers: If the NPCI mapper’s response time does not meet requirements, PSP apps may resolve the number locally. Such occurrences must be reported to NPCI monthly, as detailed in Annexure A of the circular.

All members are advised to comply with these guidelines by March 31, 2025.