KHATIMA NEWS
Rudrapur
Passengers in Rudrapur have alleged that some e-rickshaw drivers demand more than the agreed fare when riders choose online payment. Commuters using the vehicles to reach markets, hospitals, the bus stand and major crossings say unclear fare rates and limited monitoring are adding to disputes and extra costs.
Nainital
The Akhil Ekta Udyog Vyapar Mandal has asked the central government to permanently abolish Merchant Discount Rate charges on UPI transactions. The traders’ body welcomed the decision to provide relief until 15 January, but said any future fee would increase the financial burden on merchants and affect a widely used payment method.
Pithoragarh
Thal police in Pithoragarh arrested a tenant within 24 hours in connection with an alleged PhonePe fraud involving an elderly landlord’s account. Police said ₹7,000 in cash and a mobile phone were recovered, while reminding residents never to share UPI PINs, OTPs or passwords and to report cybercrime on 1930.
Bageshwar
Traders in Bageshwar have expressed concern over discussions about charging fees on UPI transactions. They say digital payments are now central to everyday business, and any additional cost could affect small shops, increase pressure on merchants and eventually burden customers who prefer cashless payments.
Khatima
Traders in Khatima staged a symbolic protest on Friday against the proposed merchant discount rate on digital payments. They covered UPI boxes and QR codes with black cloth, while trade body representatives sought dialogue with officials and payment-related institutions over the practical and financial difficulties faced by small and medium-sized businesses.
Kashipur
The Kashipur Distributors Association has urged the government to reconsider a proposed 0.4% charge on digital transactions from 15 October. Association representatives said distributors, retailers and wholesalers are already facing a slowdown, growing online competition and narrow margins, making any additional payment burden difficult for local businesses to absorb.
Haridwar
Youth Congress workers led a demonstration at Chandracharya Chowk in Haridwar against the proposed imposition of charges on UPI payments. The group urged the government to withdraw any plan for an additional fee, saying it could increase costs for ordinary users and shopkeepers and weaken the benefits of digital payments.
