Responding to Ramesh's allegations, FM Sitharaman clarified that Merchant Discount Rate applies only to merchants and not to end users or customers. The minister said the move would enable banks and fintech companies to invest more in infrastructure, innovation and security, with all UPI users ultimately benefiting from these investments

The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and a Bill to amend the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, without a debate