Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has raised questions on the Central Government regarding US tariffs, trade agreements and MDR charges on UPI. He alleged that under pressure from America, the Modi government is continuously making compromises, which may affect the farmers, businessmen and common people of the country.
Tezzbuzz Desk- Political rhetoric has intensified in the country amid the fear of America imposing up to 100 percent tariff on India. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has targeted the foreign and trade policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Central Government. He said that Indians may have to bear the brunt of increasing trade pressure with America.
The final vote is to be held in the US Parliament on Wednesday on a bill in which it is proposed to give President Donald Trump the right to impose 100 percent tariff on countries purchasing oil and gas from Russia. India can also come under the scope of this proposal. However, without the passage of the bill and subsequent assent of the President, it cannot be considered a law.
Kharge attacked Prime Minister Modi in a social media post regarding this possible tariff. He said that due to the foreign and trade policies of the government, pressure on Indian businessmen is continuously increasing.
'First 25%, then 50%, now 100% risk'
Kharge said in his statement that first 25 percent and then 50 percent tariff was imposed on Indian goods. Now the threat of 100 percent duty is looming. He claimed that this could affect sectors like pharmaceuticals, textiles, engineering, chemicals, auto parts, gems and electronics.
The Congress President further said that the government should take concrete steps to protect the interests of Indian businessmen and farmers.
Congress questions on trade agreement also
Kharge also cornered the government regarding the proposed trade framework with America. According to him, this agreement may increase the reach of American agricultural products in India, which is likely to affect the interests of Indian farmers.
He claimed that under this framework, India may face pressure to purchase American goods worth $500 billion in the next five years. However, independent verification of this claim and the terms of the agreement is required.
Controversy regarding MDR charges on UPI
Along with the US tariffs, Congress has also opposed the proposal to impose MDR charges on UPI payments. Kharge called this an example of the government's weakness and said that America's pressure is increasing on issues like trade, visas, H-1B immigration and digital payments.
Congress leader Supriya Shrinet also alleged that imposing charges on UPI could ultimately impact the pockets of common people. At the same time, Rahul Gandhi claimed that the number of merchant UPI transactions of more than Rs 2,000 may be less, but their share in the total transaction value is quite high.
To be implemented from October 15
According to the news, under the new system, it is proposed to charge 0.4 percent MDR fee from merchants on UPI payments of more than Rs 2,000. In this, it has been said that a maximum fee of Rs 300 will be fixed on payment of Rs 75,000 or more.
It has been informed that this system will be implemented from October 15. However, the final official confirmation of this change related to UPI fees and its implementation conditions need to be checked from the relevant government notification.