Reliance Jio and Bank of Baroda partner to launch 'bob World Lite' on feature phones, boosts digital inclusion

Reliance Jio and Bank of Baroda on Monday announced a partnership to launch 'bob World Lite', a mobile banking app designed specifically for feature phone users, on the JioPhone Prima 4G device, in a move aimed at expanding digital banking access across India.

The initiative aligns with the vision of the Government of India and the Reserve Bank of India to promote financial inclusion and make digital payments accessible to users beyond the smartphone ecosystem.

The 'bob World Lite' app has been developed to provide a comprehensive suite of everyday banking services on affordable feature phones, addressing the needs of millions of users in semi-urban and rural areas.

Unlike traditional mobile banking applications, the app is built with a lightweight, low-bandwidth architecture, enabling seamless usage with keypad navigation and secure access.

Under the partnership, the app will come pre-loaded on JioPhone Prima 4G devices and will be accessible directly from the home screen. Existing JioPhone Prima 4G users can also download the app through the JioStore.

The platform is open not only to existing Bank of Baroda customers but also to customers of other banks through a simple self-onboarding process.

Currently, the app offers features such as UPI-enabled Scan & Pay, money transfers, bill payments, recharges and profile management, with additional functionalities expected to be rolled out over time.

Speaking on the partnership, Sunil Dutt, President of Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited, said, "At Jio, we have always focused on expanding the reach of digital services to every Indian, at scale and with affordability at the core.