Baliya. Jitendra Chaturvedi, state organization general secretary of Federation of All India Vyapar Mandal, Uttar Pradesh unit, has welcomed the decision of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to defer the proposed Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charge on select UPI merchant transactions of more than ₹2,000 till Diwali. He has expressed gratitude towards the Central Government and related institutions for this decision.
Jitendra Chaturvedi said that the Federation of All India Trade Boards has been continuously raising the issue of the proposed fee on UPI transactions. The organization believes that along with promoting digital payments, it is also necessary to protect the interests of small traders, shopkeepers, grocers and street vendors.
He said that shopping in the market increases during the festive season. At such a time, there is a possibility of increasing the costs for merchants due to additional charges on digital payments. Therefore, the decision to extend the date of implementation of the duty is a relief step for traders. He expressed hope that the government will consider the suggestions of business organizations and find a solution that will strengthen the digital payment system and will not put additional financial burden on the traders.
State Organization General Secretary said that today small traders are a strong link in the country's economy. Encouraging online payments and digital transactions is the need of the hour, but its arrangement should be such that small businessmen do not have to face unnecessary charges.
He urged the Central Government to reconsider the proposal of MDR fee by holding dialogue with representatives of trade organizations and to give top priority to the interests of small traders.
Jitendra Chaturvedi said that the Federation of All India Trade Boards will continue to strongly raise the problems of traders across the country with the government and will continue to make continuous efforts to protect the interests of traders.