The Centre has ruled out any rollback of the proposed 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate on UPI merchant transactions above Rs 2,000, effective October 15. The decision ends nearly six years of completely free UPI payments under the existing framework. The government says the move will strengthen safety, security and the financial sustainability of the UPI ecosystem. Meanwhile, traders, shopkeepers and Opposition parties have criticised the proposal, with Congress alleging US pressure. The Finance Ministry maintains that customers will continue using UPI for free, while small merchants remain protected.