Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik urges govt to protect small traders in UPI rule changes

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik publicly challenged the central government's recent proposals to tighten UPI regulations. In a statement, he argued that any changes must prioritize the interests of everyday consumers and the millions of small traders who rely on digital payments for their livelihoods.
Patnaik warned that overly restrictive rules could hamper the ease of transactions that have driven financial inclusion across the state. He called for a balanced approach that safeguards user security without imposing burdens on small businesses.
The CM urged the Ministry of Finance and the Reserve Bank of India to consult state authorities and stakeholder groups before finalising the rules, emphasizing that policy decisions should reflect ground realities.
His remarks come as the government seeks to address concerns over fraud and data security in the rapidly expanding UPI ecosystem, a cornerstone of India's digital economy.
Stakeholders are expected to respond in the coming days, with the government indicating that it will consider feedback from state leaders like Patnaik.