Common People and Small Traders May Be Adversely Affected by This New Rule: BJD
UPI Charges on Transactions Above ₹2,000
- Changes Made in the MDR Framework Raise Several Questions
Bhubaneswar, 19/09/2026: Expressing concern that the new rules introduced by the Central Government regarding UPI may adversely affect the common people and small traders, BijuJanata Dal (BJD) RajyaSabha Member Dr. SantruptMisra, while addressing a press conference in New Delhi, clarified the BJD’s position. The Central Government has been extensively promoting UPI at the national and international levels. Citizens, traders and business establishments are being encouraged to give preference to digital payments in their day-to-day transactions. In this context, the proposed changes in the MDR framework raise several questions.
Dr. SantruptMisra said that the charges imposed by the Central Government on transactions above ₹2,000 will have an impact on the common people, small traders operating on limited profit margins and business establishments. The Government has previously promoted UPI as a low-cost and easily accessible digital payment system. However, the consequences of the changes now being introduced regarding UPI need to be assessed. The Government says that under the new rule, charges will not be directly collected from customers. However, small traders and businesses generally operate on limited profit margins, and therefore any additional cost associated with digital transactions could affect their business economics. The Government must clarify what measures it will take to ensure that traders are not compelled to indirectly pass on such additional costs to customers in the form of higher prices or other charges. Why are the BJP MPs from Odisha silent on this issue? This system may have an impact on traders, small businesses and consumers in the State. Therefore, BJP MPs elected from Odisha should seek complete information from the Central Government and raise the issue in Parliament to address the concerns of the people of the State.
Dr. Misra further said that if digital payments become comparatively more expensive or complicated for traders, the new system could have unintended consequences. India has made sustained efforts over the years to build a culture of digital payments, and UPI has become an integral part of everyday financial transactions. Therefore, any changes need to be carefully evaluated. The Central Government must maintain complete transparency regarding the MDR framework. Before taking such an important policy decision, the Central Government needs to consult banks, traders, small businesses, fintech companies, payment service providers, consumer organisations and technology experts. UPI is not merely a payment platform; it is an important part of India’s digital infrastructure. Every day, lakhs of citizens, small traders, business establishments and service providers depend on it. Therefore, attention should be given to ensuring that the new rule does not create any problems. In any measure related to UPI, the interests of consumers, small traders and businesses should be given due importance, while ensuring the long-term sustainability and development of the digital payment ecosystem.
