Politics · India
Lok Sabha passes bill potentially allowing UPI transaction charges
The Lok Sabha has passed a bill that could allow banks and payment service providers to levy charges on UPI transactions. The bill empowers the government to notify electronic payment modes, including UPI, for such charges. This development has raised concerns about whether UPI will remain free for users. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das stated that any proposal for merchant discount rate (MDR) charges on UPI is "very premature" and that "someone has to pay" for the services. The debate continues on who will bear the cost.
How outlets across the spectrum covered it
Left 3 · Centre 8 · Right 4 n = 15
- Left (3): The Hindu, The News Minute, The Telegraph (India)
- Centre (8 votes, 9 outlets): Business Standard, Greater Kashmir, Mathrubhumi English, Mint, Navbharat Times · The Times of India (Times Group — 1 vote), Patrika, The Free Press Journal, The Tribune
- Right (4): Dainik Jagran, India Today, Republic World, The Pioneer