Former NPCI Chief Makes Case for Keeping UPI Free for Indian Consumers

Santanu Paul, a former board member of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has weighed in on the ongoing debate over whether UPI transactions should remain free for consumers. Paul argued that UPI's extraordinary growth and widespread adoption are directly tied to its zero-cost model for end users. He suggested that introducing charges could undermine the platform's accessibility and slow its momentum. The remarks come amid broader discussions in India's financial sector about the long-term sustainability of offering UPI services without transaction fees.