Odisha Traders Rally Against New UPI Charges: What You Need to Know

Protest Against Merchant Discount Rate in Odisha

Brahmapur: In a significant move, numerous merchants in the Ganjam district of Odisha marked 'No UPI Day' on Friday, voicing their opposition to the proposed Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on specific UPI transactions.

Members of the Ganjam Chamber of Commerce (GCC) organized a protest rally in Brahmapur, brandishing placards and chanting slogans against the introduction of MDR on certain UPI payments.

Their chants included messages like 'Protect small businesses, support physical markets, and safeguard traders' profits—reject MDR on UPI.' The small business owners are calling for a complete reversal of this decision.

One trader expressed frustration, stating, 'Initially, the central government championed Digital India and a digital economy. Now, they are imposing MDR on UPI transactions. We have been utilizing UPI for years, and this abrupt decision will undoubtedly disrupt our operations.'

Rabindra Swamy, a leader from GCC, urged the Union government to release a white paper detailing who stands to gain from the MDR implementation. 'We will persist with our protests until this decision is fully rescinded,' he asserted.

In addition to Ganjam, numerous small traders and street vendors throughout the state have ceased accepting UPI payments, opting instead to request cash from their customers.