New Delhi, Oct. 1 -- As India's new fee on UPI merchant transactions kicks in on Oct 15, the government is preparing to ensure the cost does not unfairly land on consumers. The Department of Consumer Affairs is strengthening the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) to handle complaints under the new merchant discount rate (MDR) framework and clarify which UPI payments must remain free, two government officials said.

The department, the custodian of consumer rights, will support the finance ministry in resolving complaints and grievances received through the consumer helpline, they said. The department has strengthened the helpline to handle such complaints, having already managed a similar flow post rationalization of goods and services tax ...