Nagpur, : Reacting to reports that the implementation of the proposed 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI merchant transactions above ₹2,000 may be deferred from 15 October 2026 to 1 January 2027, Dr. Dipen Agrawal, President of the Chamber of Associations of Maharashtra Industry & Trade (CAMIT), stated:
“If the Government decides to defer the implementation of MDR charges, it would be a welcome step, offering relief to crores of traders and MSMEs across the country. However, official confirmation is still awaited.
From the moment this proposal emerged, CAMIT promptly and effectively raised the concerns of the trading community before the Central and State Governments. Our stand has been clear and consistent: the very traders who played a pivotal role in popularising UPI and making Digital India a success should not be burdened with additional costs for accepting digital payments.
A three-month reprieve may be welcome, but our demand is not merely for a three-month extension — it is for the permanent continuation of the Zero-MDR regime.
We are confident that the Government will give due consideration to the practical difficulties faced by traders and arrive at a lasting solution that encourages digital payments without imposing additional financial burdens on traders and MSMEs.
UPI is India’s digital revolution — it must not become a financial burden on the trading community!”
— Dr. Dipen Agrawal
President, CAMIT
Chamber of Associations of Maharashtra Industry & Trade
