Opposition Parties Decry Government’s ₹2000 UPI Fee Policy

The introduction of a fee on commercial UPI payments above two thousand rupees has ignited sharp criticism from opposition parties. In the Supreme Court petition, senior advocate Anjan Dutta highlighted the lack of a robust legal framework and the potential adverse impact on small businesses.

BJP MP Anurag Thakur defended the policy, stating that India's digital payment model is admired worldwide and that the fee applies only to a limited segment of high‑value transactions. He emphasized that most merchants, including street vendors and small shop owners, will remain exempt.

Conversely, the Congress and other opposition groups have called for an immediate withdrawal of the fee, warning that it could hurt ordinary citizens and stall the growth of digital payments. They accuse the ruling party of misleading the public and demand a thorough review of the policy.

The debate underscores a broader contest over how best to balance revenue considerations with the goal of fostering an inclusive, low‑cost digital payment ecosystem.