Archive · 30 Sep 2026
Traders Split Over No UPI Day After Sitharaman Meeting
Some trader groups planned a protest called “No UPI Day” for October 2.
They wanted to show opposition to a possible fee on some business payments made through UPI.
The proposed fee is 0.4 percent for eligible merchant transactions above Rs 2,000.
The Confederation of All India Traders met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi.
After the meeting, CAIT withdrew its protest call.
Another group, the Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association, said it would still hold the protest.
FRTWA said more than 150 trader associations supported its position.
The proposed fee has not been canceled and is still scheduled for October 15.
The Confederation of All India Traders withdrew its October 2 “No UPI Day” protest after meeting Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
The Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association said its protest would continue and that the decision did not represent all traders.
The dispute concerns a proposed 0.4 percent merchant discount rate or transaction charge on eligible UPI payments above Rs 2,000.
The Confederation of All India Traders delegation said the charge could increase costs for small and medium-sized businesses.
The proposed charge remains scheduled for October 15, while participating FRTWA traders plan to reject UPI payments and wear black on October 2.
- Who
- The Confederation of All India Traders, the Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and other trader associations.
- What
- Trader groups disagree over whether to hold the October 2 “No UPI Day” protest against a proposed UPI merchant charge.
- When
- The meeting occurred on Wednesday; the protest is planned for October 2 and the proposed charge is scheduled for October 15.
- Where
- The delegation met Sitharaman at Kartavya Bhavan in New Delhi.
- Why
- Traders oppose the proposed charge because they say it could increase transaction costs, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses.
FRTWA and Protest Supporters
CAIT and Government Dialogue
Whether the protest should continue
FRTWA and Protest Supporters
The Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association said CAIT could not represent all traders and that its October 2 protest would proceed.
CAIT and Government Dialogue
The Confederation of All India Traders withdrew its call after meeting Sitharaman and receiving an assurance that traders’ concerns would be considered.
Impact of the proposed charge
FRTWA and Protest Supporters
FRTWA and supporting associations oppose any additional merchant discount rate or transaction cost for accepting UPI payments.
CAIT and Government Dialogue
CAIT said the issue should be addressed through continued discussions aimed at finding a practical and sustainable solution while supporting the digital economy.
Attitude toward UPI
FRTWA and Protest Supporters
FRTWA said its protest was against additional costs, not against UPI or digital payments themselves.
CAIT and Government Dialogue
CAIT said traders support UPI and the Digital India initiative, but are concerned about the financial effect of the proposed charge.
- Proposed charge
- 0.4 percent merchant discount rate or transaction charge
- Transactions affected
- Eligible merchant UPI transactions above Rs 2,000
- Proposed start date
- October 15
- Planned protest date
- October 2
- CAIT delegation
- Around 20 senior trade representatives from different states
- CAIT position
- Withdrew its protest call after Sitharaman said traders’ concerns would receive due consideration
- FRTWA position
- Said its protest would proceed and claimed support from more than 150 trader associations
