Delhi traders divided over 'No UPI Day' protest planned for Gandhi Jayanti

The Delhi Chamber of Trade and Industry has announced plans to observe a 'No UPI Day' on Friday, October 2, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti celebrations, as merchants express concerns over the rapid shift toward digital payment modes in the country.

The move reflects growing tensions within India's retail and trading community over the government's push toward cashless transactions. Proponents of the protest argue that over-reliance on digital payment systems disadvantages small traders and excludes segments of the population without digital literacy or banking access.

However, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), a larger and more influential traders' organization, has distanced itself from the initiative. The decision highlights fractures within merchant associations on how to respond to India's evolving payment ecosystem and digital economy policies.

The protest comes amid ongoing debates about UPI's impact on traditional retail, with smaller traders citing concerns about payment infrastructure costs and digital divide issues. The divergence of opinion among trade bodies suggests merchants remain divided on the best approach to engage with the government on digital payment policies and their economic implications.