Kerala traders forum to boycott UPI transactions on 15 October

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 merchants have widely adopted UPI payment systems following the Centre’s call to encourage digital transactions and the imposition of 0.4% levy and GST on such transactions would put additional financial burden on them.

“As profit margins remain tight amid strong competition, an additional charge on each transaction would increase operational costs and worsen the crisis facing the sector. Therefore, the government should withdraw the decision,” he demanded.

Claiming that the Center is backing away from its earlier stand that no charges would be levied on UPI transactions, he said strong protests would be organized by mobilizing small traders across the state against the move.

Published – 18 Sep 2026 23:01 IST