India Should Keep UPI Free for Citizens and Small Businesses: Paul

Santanu Paul, former NPCI chief and co-author of 'Cashless Nation', argues India should keep UPI free for ordinary citizens and small businesses. He suggests a charge limited to large merchants may eventually be acceptable but warns any changes must protect consumers and small traders. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has declared UPI will remain free for consumers, emphasizing its role in driving digital payments growth. Paul emphasizes strategic autonomy, asserting India should make decisions based on national interest rather than external pressure.