International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Dr.Kavita Arora, Mr.Sarabhpreet Singh
Abstract: The swift growth of digital payment platforms in India — driven by the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), e‑wallets, and QR‑code based solutions — has reshaped the nation's retail sector. Punjab, featuring a blend of urban and rural economies, distinct retail hubs (Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar) and robust agricultural connections, offers a representative setting to examine how digital payments influence retail operations, consumer behavior, company performance, and financial inclusion. This study explores the magnitude, determinants, advantages, and obstacles of digital payment uptake among Punjab's retail enterprises, and evaluates both micro and macro effects: revenue, average transaction value and frequency, expenses (cash handling, reconciliation), formalization, vendor‑customer interactions, and the inclusion of women and small sellers. Employing a mixed‑methods design (surveys of merchants in both urban and rural areas; semi‑structured conversations with shop owners, consumers, and bank/PSP representatives; secondary review of UPI and state digital‑payment statistics), the research measures adoption rates, evaluates effects on revenue and expenses, and identifies obstacles (digital literacy, connectivity, trust, charges). Early data from recent state and national sources reveal a sharp rise in digital transactions across the country and within the state; localized case studies (Ludhiana/Phagwara) show notable shifts in retail payment habits while still highlighting ongoing limitations for smaller sellers. The results will provide policy and practical guidance to enhance merchant enrollment, lessen friction, and leverage digital payments to bolster retail resilience in Punjab,
