2 hrs ago
Maharashtra Traders Plan Statewide Protest Over UPI Charges
A traders’ group in Maharashtra is unhappy about a new possible fee on some UPI payments.
UPI is a way people pay businesses digitally.
The fee would be 0.4% for certain payments above Rs 2,000, up to Rs 300 per transaction.
The traders say this could hurt small businesses that already make small profits.
They plan to protest on October 2, Gandhi Jayanti.
On that day, they will ask customers to pay with cash instead of digital payments.
They will also wear black bands and cover their QR codes.
The Central government says most UPI payments will not be affected, but the traders want the fee withdrawn.
The Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture announced a statewide protest against UPI transaction charges.
About 20,000 traders and 500 affiliated organisations are expected to participate across Maharashtra.
Traders will refuse digital payments on October 2, wear black bands, and cover UPI QR codes with “NO UPI DAY” messages.
The protest targets a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate on person-to-merchant UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, capped at Rs 300 per transaction.
The Central government says most UPI transactions will remain unaffected, while traders warn charges could reduce profits or raise consumer prices.
- Who
- The Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, its affiliated trader organisations, and around 20,000 traders; the Central government has defended the limited impact of the charges.
- What
- A statewide protest against a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate on certain UPI transactions.
- Where
- Across Maharashtra.
- When
- The protest is planned for October 2; the MDR is scheduled to take effect on October 15.
- Why
- Traders say the charge could reduce small-business profits, raise consumer prices, or encourage a return to cash payments.
Traders’ position
Government position
Effect on small businesses
Traders’ position
MCCIA says the MDR would add to the financial burden on small traders operating on thin profit margins.
Government position
The Central government says most UPI transactions will not be affected and that concessions for small traders will remain intact.
Effect on consumers
Traders’ position
MCCIA warns traders may pass the additional cost to consumers, increasing commodity prices, or switch to cash.
Government position
The government’s position, as reported, is that the impact will be limited because most transactions will remain unaffected.
Fuel payments
Traders’ position
Petrol pump operators across Maharashtra want fuel purchases exempted from MDR and other digital payment charges because the fees could reduce fixed earnings.
Government position
No government response to the petrol pump operators’ exemption request was specified.
Key facts
- Protesting body
- Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MCCIA)
- Expected participation
- Around 20,000 traders and 500 affiliated organisations
- Protest date
- October 2, Gandhi Jayanti
- Protest actions
- Cash-only transactions, black bands, and covered UPI QR codes
- Proposed MDR
- 0.4% on person-to-merchant UPI transactions above Rs 2,000
- Transaction cap
- Rs 300 per transaction
- Effective date
- October 15
Quotes
Ravindra Mangave
President of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture
“Due to competition from online companies, small traders are already forced to operate on very thin profit margins. Under such circumstances, the additional cost on UPI transactions will further impact their profitability.”
deccanchronicle.com
“We are not opposed to UPI payments; however, we strongly oppose the newly imposed 0.4 per cent MDR on UPI transactions. Any decision that puts a further burden on traders’ profits will not be accepted.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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