Business groups across the country have been protesting against the Centre's preparations to reintroduce Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) fees on UPI transactions. All India Consumer Product Distributors Federation, All India Mobile Retailers Association, Bullion Traders and other associations have called for observing 'No UPI Day' on October 2 across the country. The representatives of the associations announced that no online payments will be accepted in the shops on that day and only cash transactions will be conducted. Union leaders expressed their concern that small traders and distributors are continuing their business with small margins and if additional burden is placed on digital payments in such situations, the businesses will have to close down.On October 2, they will protest by covering the QR code boards, scanners and payment sound boxes in their shops with black cloths. They demanded that the government should respond and withdraw the MDR proposal.
For more information see 'Abhyudayam' e-paper Page No. 1, 2 (Dated: 25-09-2026).
