Now Reading: Trade bodies withdraw ‘No UPI Day’ after meeting FM Sitharaman
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Trade bodies withdraw ‘No UPI Day’ after meeting FM Sitharaman
The All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF) and All India Mobile Retailers Association (AIMRA) have withdrawn their ‘No UPI Day’ protest scheduled for October 2 after a delegation of trade leaders…
The All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF) and All India Mobile Retailers Association (AIMRA) have withdrawn their ‘No UPI Day’ protest scheduled for October 2 after a delegation of trade leaders met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Wednesday, 30 September 2026. The protest was against the new Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) framework for certain UPI transactions, set to take effect from October 15.
The delegation, led by CAIT secretary general Praveen Khandelwal, included around 20 trade leaders. ABP Live reports the traders sought deferment of the proposed MDR, a phased implementation, and an increase in the threshold for MDR applicability from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. The Federal reports Sitharaman assured the delegation that their concerns would receive due consideration, leading to the withdrawal of the protest.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Both sources report the same core facts: the protest was withdrawn after Sitharaman gave assurances, and the MDR framework remains unchanged. The Federal leads with the meeting and the government’s assurance, framing it as a resolution. ABP Live gives more space to the traders’ specific demands, deferment, phased rollout, higher threshold, and adds their alternative proposal (0.20% MDR in FY27, rising gradually), making the government’s position appear less accommodating. ABP Live also includes the symbolic black-cloth protest plan, adding dramatic detail absent from The Federal. The uniform element is the government’s statement that 96% of merchant transactions will remain free, which both sources note but neither questions. The new MDR takes effect on 15 October 2026, with further talks expected before that date.
Coverage: 2 sources, 2 neutral
Sources (2): thefederal.com (neutral report), abplive.com (neutral report)
This brief was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above, so one read covers every framing they carry. Methodology and corrections.
