Experts Discuss Government's Proposed UPI Merchant Discount Rate Levy
A panel discussion led by anchor Rajdeep Sardesai examines the government's proposal to levy a merchant discount rate on UPI transactions. Dr Krishnamurthy Subramanian, former Chief Economic Advisor, cautions that such a tax may conflict with UPI's design and could push small merchants back to cash. Professor Santosh Mehrotra argues against ongoing taxpayer subsidies for digital payments, suggesting transaction costs be shared among banks, platforms, and merchants. The panel also considers potential impacts on consumers and the digital payment ecosystem.
First-hand measurement across 2 sources
We measured how 2 outlets covered this story. No outlet gave this story a measurable political slant — there is no left–right reading to report. Overall sentiment is neutral (51/100). Lens Score 36/100.
Outlets measured: indiatoday, indiatoday. See how each one headlined and framed the same story in the source comparison below.
AI Analysis
Sentiment was consistent across outlets (50–52/100), indicating broadly factual reporting rather than editorialising.
Coverage timeline
indiatoday broke this story on 16 Sept, 06:21 pm. Other outlets followed.
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