NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman defends UPI merchant fee, says businesses must be self-sustainable

NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman has defended the government's decision to introduce transaction fees on UPI merchant payments. According to the official, businesses must become self-sustainable without relying on government subsidies.

Under the new structure, a small fee will apply to merchant transactions exceeding ₹2,000. However, person-to-person transfers and smaller payments remain exempt from the charge. The government has framed the move as aimed at strengthening the safety and security of the UPI ecosystem.