Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Surjewala Calls UPI Fee a Betrayal of Ordinary Indians
Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala criticized a new UPI charge.
The charge applies to some person-to-merchant payments above Rs 2,000, according to the report.
He said the fee could make digital payments more expensive for ordinary people.
He also said it could weaken India’s goal of becoming more cashless.
Surjewala alleged that American companies would benefit from the money collected.
He called the government’s decision a betrayal.
He warned that the fee might later be increased or applied to more kinds of UPI payments.
The report does not include a response from the government or NPCI.
Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala criticized a 0.4% fee on UPI person-to-merchant payments above Rs 2,000.
He said the charge could increase consumers’ financial burden and undermine digital, cashless payments.
Surjewala called September 14, when the gazette notification was issued, a day of “digital somersault” and “betrayal.”
He alleged that American companies would receive a share of the claimed Rs 5,040 crore UPI transaction tax.
He warned that the government and NPCI could raise the fee or extend it to other UPI transaction categories by notification.
- Who
- Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Singh Surjewala criticized the Modi government and the National Payments Corporation of India.
- What
- Surjewala alleged that a 0.4% fee was being imposed on person-to-merchant UPI payments above Rs 2,000.
- When
- The gazette notification was issued on September 14; Surjewala made the allegations on September 16.
- Where
- Surjewala spoke to reporters in Bengaluru and issued a statement.
- Why
- He argued that the fee would burden consumers, undermine cashless payments, and allow charges to be expanded without fresh parliamentary approval.
- Fee cited
- 0.4% on person-to-merchant UPI transactions above Rs 2,000
- Gazette notification
- Issued on September 14
- Statement date
- September 16
- Location
- Bengaluru
- Claimed tax amount
- Rs 5,040 crore
- Organizations mentioned
- The Modi government and the National Payments Corporation of India
- Surjewala’s concern
- Charges could be increased or extended to other UPI transaction categories by notification