Bhopal traders to observe ‘No UPI Day’ on Oct 8 to protest MDR charges

Bhopal’s Hanuman Ganj‑Jumerati market will host a coordinated refusal of UPI transactions on 8 October, a day traders have dubbed “No UPI Day.” The move is a symbolic protest against the recently imposed mandatory merchant discount rate (MDR) on digital payments.

Local rice and lentil sellers have been asked to decline all UPI-based payments for the day, urging customers to use cash or other non‑UPI methods. Organisers say the boycott is intended to highlight the financial strain they face from the MDR, which they argue erodes thin profit margins.

The protest is limited to a single day and does not involve a shutdown of shops; merchants will continue normal operations while only the payment mode changes. No official comment has been received from the UPI service providers or the state government regarding the planned demonstration.

Industry observers note that such merchant‑led actions could prompt a review of the MDR policy if they gain wider participation across the state.