The Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi will boycott UPI transactions in the State on October 15 in protest against the Central government’s reported move to impose charges on such transactions, its State president Raju Apsara said on Friday (September 18, 2026).
Mr. Apsara said small traders widely adopted UPI payment systems following the Centre’s call to promote digital transactions, and imposing a 0.4% charge and GST on such transactions would put additional financial burden on them.
“With profit margins remaining limited amid intense competition, the additional fee on every transaction would increase operating costs and worsen the crisis faced by the sector. Hence, the government should withdraw the decision,” he demanded.
Alleging that the Centre is backtracking from its earlier stand that no charges would be imposed on UPI transactions, he said strong protests would be organised by mobilising small traders across the State against the move.
Published – September 18, 2026 11:01 pm IST
