Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday criticised the BJP-led central government over the reported move to allow charges on certain UPI transactions, alleging that the decision would eventually put an additional burden on consumers.
In a post on X, Gandhi claimed that the government had opened the door to imposing fees on UPI by allowing a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on merchant transactions above Rs 2,000. He argued that although consumers may not be charged directly, merchants could pass on the additional cost by increasing the prices of goods and services.
He said that such transactions may account for only around 5 per cent of the total transaction volume, but represent nearly 65 per cent of UPI’s overall transaction value.
“The Modi government has quietly opened the door to imposing fees on UPI. Now, MDR can be levied on merchant UPI transactions above Rs 2,000. Even if these transactions account for just 5% of the volume, they make up nearly 65% of UPI’s total transaction value. The government says no fees will be charged to customers. But where will the fees imposed on shopkeepers ultimately come from? Added to prices, straight out of the customer’s pocket,” Gandhi said.
“Just like with the US Trade Deal, Compromised PM Modi is once again surrendering to American pressure,” Gandhi said.
