Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:50am on 09 Aug 2026,Sunday India
The Centre has clarified that UPI users will continue to make payments without transaction charges, despite recent legislative changes enabling the introduction of Merchant Discount Rates (MDR). The government said any future MDR would be nominal and restricted to a limited category of merchant transactions above a specified threshold. The vast majority of merchant transactions would also remain free, ensuring small businesses and everyday digital payments are not burdened. The clarification follows concerns after the Lok Sabha passed amendments allowing charges on UPI and other digital payments. The government aims to maintain UPI’s affordability while supporting the sustainability of its payment ecosystem. (PC: The Hindu)
