Ahmedabad: More than 1,000 trade associations across Gujarat will observe a symbolic statewide ‘No UPI Day’ on Friday, calling on customers to pay by cash or card instead of UPI.The one-day protest, planned on Gandhi Jayanti, is being organised by trader bodies opposing a new National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) rule that introduces a 0.4% merchant discount rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000.Trader groups said the proposed MDR would tighten already slim margins for small- and mid-sized businesses and eventually push costs onto consumers. Participating outlets have been asked to cover UPI QR codes and soundboxes with black cloth to signal that UPI payments will not be accepted for the day.Jayendra Tanna, president of Gujarat Traders’ Federation (GTF), said the shutdown of UPI acceptance would cut across sectors and geographies. “From grocery and FMCG to electronics, hardware, readymade garments, electricals and auto parts, traders will participate and will not accept UPI,” Tanna said. “Around 1,000 trade associations, including those at town and village level, will join.”Mobile and electronics retailers are also preparing to participate, citing the limited capacity to absorb new transaction costs in high-value categories. Nikunj Patel, president of All-India Mobile Retailers Association (AIMRA) Gujarat chapter, said the impact would be sharp where UPI is frequently used for bills above Rs 2,000. “More than 10,000 retailers in Gujarat and around 1.5 lakh dealers nationwide are set to participate,” Patel said. “With net margins of 0.75% to 1.5%, we cannot absorb an extra MDR.”Patel said stores would suspend visible digital acceptance cues. “UPI soundboxes, QR posters and payment prompts will be covered with black cloth, and payments will be accepted only via cash or cards,” he said.Meghraj Dodwani, president of Shree Ahmedabad Vepari Mahasangathan, said, “This provision adds a direct burden on traders. ‘No UPI Day’ is meant to bring the issue to the govt’s attention.”
