The Finance Ministry rejected claims that changes in UPI merchant discount rates were driven by foreign influence, saying India's digital payment policies are independently decided. It said UPI remains free for customers, while certain high-value merchant transactions attract charges
The Finance Ministry said UPI person-to-person payments will remain completely free under the new framework. Payments to merchants up to Rs 2,000 will also remain free, while MDR will apply only to specified larger merchant transactions, with exemptions for essential sectors
