Photo Source: ANI
Chandigarh mobile retailers announce ‘No UPI Day’ on Oct 2 against 0.4 % MDR charge
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, September 25, 2026: The Chandigarh chapter of the All India Mobile Retailers Association (AIMRA) has announced a protest against the proposed 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on eligible UPI merchant transactions.
As part of the protest, mobile retailers across Chandigarh will observe “No UPI Day” on October 2, with participating shopkeepers planning to tie black bands around their QR codes to register their opposition to the charge.
AIMRA Chandigarh said mobile retailers operate on thin profit margins and that a 0.4 per cent charge could put additional financial pressure on small businesses, particularly as many mobile retail transactions exceed Rs 2,000.
According to the association, the proposed charge could place an estimated annual burden of around Rs 500 crore on 1.5 lakh mobile retailers across the country. The association also said retailers in the Chandigarh-Mohali-Panchkula tricity face additional competition from large online retailers.
G.D. Singh, president of AIMRA Chandigarh, said mobile retailers had supported the expansion of digital payments and UPI but would oppose any measure that increases their operating costs.
“We have played an important role in taking the Digital India mission to households. However, imposing an MDR charge on UPI transactions will put additional pressure on retailers. With profit margins already low in mobile retail, a 0.4 per cent charge could seriously affect our businesses,” Singh said.
He added that if the charge is not withdrawn, the October 2 protest could be followed by further protests at the national level.
AIMRA Chandigarh has also appealed to residents and customers to support local retailers during the protest by opting for cash or other payment methods instead of UPI on October 2.
The association said its protest is aimed at seeking the withdrawal of the proposed MDR charge and protecting the interests of mobile retailers.