Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Congress Protests Proposed Extra UPI Charges on Transactions
Congress leaders and workers held a protest in Bengaluru.
They opposed a proposed fee on some UPI payments.
The fee would reportedly be 0.4% for transactions above Rs 2,000.
The protesters said this could make everyday payments more expensive.
They were especially concerned about small traders and ordinary families.
They said people are already facing higher prices and unemployment.
They asked the Centre to explain the proposal clearly.
They also demanded that the proposed charge be withdrawn.
Congress leaders and workers protested in Bengaluru against proposed UPI charges.
The proposed 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate would apply to UPI transactions above Rs 2,000.
Protesters said the charges would burden ordinary users, small traders and the middle class.
The proposal was reportedly scheduled to take effect from October 15.
They demanded that the Centre clarify the proposal and withdraw it immediately.
- Who
- Congress leaders and workers, along with other protesters, opposed the proposed charge.
- What
- A protest was held against a proposed 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000.
- When
- The proposal was reportedly scheduled to take effect from October 15; the year was not specified.
- Where
- Bengaluru.
- Why
- Protesters said the charge would increase financial pressure on ordinary users, small traders and middle-class families.
Protesters' View
Proposal's Reported Position
Effect on users and traders
Protesters' View
Congress protesters said the proposed charge would raise day-to-day expenses and place additional pressure on ordinary users and small businesses.
Proposal's Reported Position
The article reports the proposed 0.4% MDR for UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 but does not provide the Centre's stated justification or response.
Government policy
Protesters' View
The protesters accused the BJP-led Union government of increasing people's financial burden through new charges and demanded immediate withdrawal.
Proposal's Reported Position
The article does not include a response from the Union government or confirm whether the proposal was ultimately approved.
- Proposed charge
- 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR)
- Affected transactions
- UPI transactions above Rs 2,000
- Reported start date
- October 15
- Protest location
- Bengaluru
- Protesters' demand
- Withdraw the proposed charge and clarify the policy
- Groups cited as affected
- Common people, employees, small traders and the middle class