Nagpur traders protest proposed UPI charge, refuse digital payments in some markets

Traders in Nagpur have turned aggressive in protest against a proposed charge on UPI payments. They have opposed a proposal to levy a 0.4 per cent fee on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000.

In some markets of the city, traders refused to accept UPI and other online payments from customers. Shopkeepers kept digital payments switched off to express their displeasure.

The traders say that if an additional charge is imposed on UPI payments above Rs 2,000, the financial burden will fall on them. If the fee is recovered from customers, the impact could fall directly on the customers.

According to the traders, amid rising costs, inflation and financial pressure, the additional charge could add to the difficulties of small and medium businesses.

The traders have asked the government to reconsider the proposed UPI charge and withdraw it. They say that if no positive decision is taken on their demand, the agitation against online payments could continue.

All eyes are now on what step the government takes on the traders' demand.