Members of the Sadar Bazar Bari Market Traders Association took to the streets in Sadar Bazar, New Delhi on 7 October 2026 to oppose the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) levied on UPI transactions exceeding ₹2,000.
The Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) is a fee charged to merchants on digital transactions; protesters at Sadar Bazar argue that applying it to UPI payments above ₹2,000 discourages cashless trade among small and medium shopkeepers.
The Sadar Bazar Bari Market Traders Association organised Wednesday's demonstration, drawing merchants from across the Sadar Bazar wholesale hub in New Delhi to voice unified opposition to UPI MDR charges.
Wednesday's rally at Sadar Bazar has renewed calls for policymakers to reconsider the MDR on UPI payments above ₹2,000, with traders warning the levy could reverse gains in digital payment adoption across India's informal retail sector.