New Delhi, Aug. 10 -- Parliament passed the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, on Monday (10 August), with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reiterating that the legislation does not impose a tax or transaction charge on UPI payments.

FM Sitharaman said consumers will continue to use the digital payments system without paying a fee, while any decision on introducing a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) remains pending.

The Taxation Bill, which was cleared by the Lok Sabha last week, was passed by the Rajya Sabha on Monday through a voice vote following a brief discussion and Sitharaman's response.

"Will consumer pay any UPI charge - No. UPI has remained free for consumers since its launch and every Indian will continue t...