No UPI, No Deal! Traders Says No to Digital Payments, Demand MDR Rollback

In Brief

1. Traders in Madhya Pradesh observed ‘No UPI Day’ refusing digital payments.
2. They seek rollback of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges.
3. QR code stickers and payment devices were covered in black cloth.
4. Customers were requested to pay in cash instead of UPI transactions.

Traders and retailers across Madhya Pradesh cities like Bhopal and Indore observed ‘No UPI Day’ to press for the rollback of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges on digital transactions. Shops displayed QR code stickers and payment confirmation soundboxes covered with black cloth as a mark of protest against the MDR fees.

The movement gained traction on 23 September, with several shops refusing to accept Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments and urging customers to pay by cash. Traders argue that MDR charges increase their operational costs and hurt small businesses.

Authorities and government officials have yet to issue a formal response to the traders’ demands. The protest highlights ongoing concerns related to digital payment fees affecting retailers in India’s expanding digital economy. Such demonstrations emphasize the challenges faced by small merchants adapting to digital payment norms while managing additional costs. The traders hope their collective action will prompt authorities to reconsider MDR charges.