India is joining the UN-based Better Than Cash Alliance. The new partnership with the Alliance is an extension of Indian Government's commitment to reduce cash in its economy. The alliance is made up of Governments, companies, and international organizations, that accelerate the transition from cash to digital payments in order to reduce poverty and drive inclusive growth. <br/><br/>An official release said, the announcement coincides with the first anniversary of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flagship financial inclusion programme Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana under which about 180 million new accounts have been opened, with deposits totaling more than 3.4 billion dollars. <br/><br/>Dr. Ruth Goodwin-Groen, Managing Director of the Better Than Cash Alliance said, India's leadership and progress are inspirational for countries around the world. He said, by making the digitization of payments to achieve financial inclusion a top priority, India is showing its commitment to improving the lives of its people and driving inclusive growth.<br/>The financial inclusion programme, along with Aaadhar biometric Unique Identity cards that make it easier for the Government to identify social benefit recipients and the widespread use of mobile phones, are driving financial inclusion in India. It is also resulting in cost savings. According to a new paper by Columbia University, the fuel subsidy programme, which is the world's largest cash transfer programme, saved 2 billion dollars by paying cooking gas consumers directly into their bank accounts.