Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Bhopal’s No UPI Day Gets Mixed Trader Response
Traders in Bhopal were asked not to accept UPI payments for one day.
They were protesting a new 0.4% fee on certain UPI payments above Rs 2,000.
Many shops still accepted UPI because customers often do not carry enough cash.
Some shops displayed signs saying they would not accept UPI, but accepted it anyway.
Other traders followed the protest and refused digital payments.
One trader said about 250 shops in the Chowk area were doing this.
Traders who supported UPI said refusing it could make customers leave without buying anything.
Traders opposing the fee said the Rs 2,000 limit was too low and could create problems in the future.
Many Bhopal shops continued accepting UPI payments despite the protest call.
The traders’ group opposed a 0.4% MDR on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 from October 15.
Some businesses covered QR codes and sound boxes but still accepted digital payments.
Several traders said refusing UPI could drive away customers who carry little cash.
Some traders rejected UPI and said the fee would unfairly hurt businesses and increase cash dependence.
- Who
- Bhopal traders and shopkeepers, following a call from the Akhil Bhartiya Udhyog Vyapar Mandal, Madhya Pradesh.
- What
- A citywide call to observe a 'No UPI Day' received mixed support, with businesses divided over whether to accept digital payments.
- When
- On Wednesday; the 0.4% MDR was scheduled to apply from October 15.
- Where
- Shops and business establishments in Bhopal, including Peer Gate, Chowk Bazar, the Old City and New Market.
- Why
- The protest opposed the Government of India’s planned 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate on UPI person-to-merchant transactions above Rs 2,000.
Traders Continuing UPI
Traders Opposing the Charge
Customer convenience
Traders Continuing UPI
Refusing UPI could turn away customers because many people no longer carry enough cash.
Traders Opposing the Charge
Businesses should reject UPI payments above Rs 2,000 after October 15 to oppose the charge.
Financial impact
Traders Continuing UPI
Some shopkeepers said they could not afford to lose sales or absorb additional losses.
Traders Opposing the Charge
Opponents called the 0.4% MDR immoral and said the Rs 2,000 threshold was too low.
Future policy
Traders Continuing UPI
Some traders hoped the government might roll back the decision before October 15.
Traders Opposing the Charge
Critics said the policy could increase cash handling, require more ATMs and ultimately hurt the government.
- Protest name
- No UPI Day
- Organizing group
- Akhil Bhartiya Udhyog Vyapar Mandal, Madhya Pradesh
- Proposed charge
- 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate
- Transaction threshold
- UPI person-to-merchant transactions above Rs 2,000
- Start date mentioned
- October 15
- Trader response
- Some businesses refused UPI, while many continued accepting it.
- Reported local participation
- One trader claimed at least 250 Chowk-area shops were refusing UPI.