Digital payments platform PhonePe on Monday announced that it will enable digital payments for over 2.5 crore small merchants across India in the next one year.

In a statement, the company said that it will also onboard these kiranas on its 'PhonePe for Business' app, offering them end-to-end control of the payment process including instant payment confirmations, receipts and reconciliations. It plans to reach 5,500 talukas through its merchant acquisition team that will lead to over 10,000 jobs being created in semi urban and rural areas.

"Despite the rapid penetration of digital payments, kiranas across India still rely on cash. Kirana owners have smartphones, data and the aspiration to adopt newer technology, but there are no services that match their aspirations. Kiranas are looking to acquire customers and forge deeper relationships with them. Customers on the other hand are looking for safety and convenience, while continuing to access their local trusted neighbourhood merchant," it said.

PhonePe with its multiple offerings is all set to bridge this gap, the statement said.

It offers its merchant partners a personalised store page on the PhonePe app allowing them to list their store timings, share their product catalogue and promote home delivery options, thereby reaching out to a much wider customer base.

Customers have the convenience of discovering local stores in their vicinity and connecting with the merchants using the call or chat feature to place their orders, and pay remotely via the stores tab on the PhonePe app, it said, adding that PhonePe is bringing these offerings to merchants in semi-urban and rural areas to help them digitize and grow their business.

Commenting on the announcement, Vivek Lohcheb, Vice President - Offline Business Development, PhonePe said, "Kiranas and merchants across small villages and towns are striving to progress and prosper. We are really excited to partner with them in this journey and take digital payments to the last mile of India across every village and town."