The Retailers Association of India (RAI) has submit ted a representation to the Hon’ble Finance Minis ter, Prime Minister, and RBI Governor, voicing con cerns about the proposed reintroduction of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI and RuPay transactions for merchants with annual turnover above Rs.40 lakh. RAI argues that such a move could reverse the prog ress made in digital payments adoption, particularly by penalising retailers who operate on thin margins. The as sociation proposes a flat fee of 25 paise per transaction regardless of transaction size, citing the minimal cost of UPI processing. In addition, RAI has recommended exploring gov ernment subsidies or tax incentives to help banks cover transaction costs—ensuring a sustainable digital pay ments ecosystem without burdening merchants.
RAI has submitted a representation to FM, PM and RBI governor to reconsider the reintroduction of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI and RuPay transactions. RAI has proposed that the:
Please click on the link below to view RAI's submission: https://bit.ly/3R1TEQM
The Retailers Association of India (RAI) organised a focused workshop on BIS Regulations and Legal Metrology in the context of the footwear business on 25th April 2025 at Park Inn by Radisson, Lajpat Nagar, Delhi. Around 30 delegates participated in the session, which featured expert presentations by Mr. Sanjay Gupta and Mr. Tarun Goel of Omega QMS Pvt Ltd, and legal in sights from Advocate Nupur Dave Prasad. The interactive format encouraged valuable discus sions between participants and speakers, with the pro gram receiving highly positive feedback from attendees.
RAI has submitted a representation to FM, PM and RBI governor to reconsider the reintroduction of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI and RuPay transactions.
RAI has proposed that the:
1. Cost of UPI transactions is nothing to do with the size of UPI transaction,hence a flat fee of 25paisa per transaction can be introduced across all merchant sizes to sustain digital payment growth.
2. Explore subsidies or tax incentives to offset bank costs, ensuring a win-win for all stakeholders.
Click here to view RAI's submission: https://bit.ly/3R1TEQM
Program was conducted at Bombay Exhibition Centre, NESCO Goregaon, Mumbai on 28th February 2025. The program saw participation of 30 delegates.
The presenters were Adv. Gopal Naik from Vision Law; Mr. Sanjay Gupta, CEO, Omega QMS Pvt Ltd; Mr. Tarun Goel, Founder & MD, Omega QMS Pvt. Ltd. & Mr. Prateek Bansal, Partner, White & Brief Advocates & Solicitors.
Participants had a fruitful discussion with the speakers and RAI received a good feedback for the program.
RAI delegation had a meeting with Dr. S. Selva Kumar, Principal Secretary, Commerce & Industries Department, Govt. of Karnataka and Shri Uma Shankar, Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Urban Development Department to discuss trade license issue in the State of Karnataka.
The delegation requested officials to explore exemption of non-food retail from the applicability of trade license. It was conveyed to the delegation that the proposal will be discussed internally within the department.
Shri Uma Shankar had assured the delegation that they will simplify the licenses process soon and make it completely faceless.
The Government will also enable instant download of the license upon payment of requisite fee.
Certificate Program in Laws Relating to Retail in India was conducted at Regenta Place, Bengaluru on 28th Jan 2025. The presenter Adv. Gopal Naik, from Vision Law did an outstanding job of sharing his expertise with the team. The program saw participation of around 25 participants and RAI received excellent feedback for the same.
Key actions extracted from the draft rules:
1. Establishment Responsibility:
Implement measures to ensure a safe working environment for transgender persons, including equal opportunities regarding infrastructure, equipment, benefits, promotions, and other employment-related issues.
2. Equal Opportunity Policy:
A) Provide an equal opportunity policy for transgender persons, including details of the complaints officer.
B) Display the policy on the establishment's website or in conspicuous places within the premises.
3. Infrastructural Facilities and Safety:
A) Provide unisex toilets, safety measures (transportation, guards), and amenities (hygiene products) to transgender employees.
4. Equal Service Conditions:
A) Ensure that transgender persons have the same rights and service conditions as other employees.
5. Confidentiality:
The Packaging and Labelling regulations are undergoing frequent changes, requiring any new declarations to be printed on the packaging within one month from the date of notification.
Due to these changes, the earlier inventory of packaging often goes to waste. RAI had raised concerns about the significant national wastage caused by the destruction of unused packaging inventory.
In line with this, FSSAI had earlier notified that any changes will take effect from July each year, subject to a minimum implementation period of 180 days. As a corresponding action, Legal Metrology department has now also issued the similar direction to this regard. Please click on the link below to view the order: https://bit.ly/3Ebl5El
RAI delegation had a meeting with Dr. S. Selva Kumar, Principal Secretary, Commerce & Industries Department, Govt. of Karnataka and Shri Uma Shankar, Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Urban Development Department to discuss trade license issue in the State of Karnataka.
The delegation requested officials to explore exemption of non-food retail from the applicability of trade license. It was conveyed to the delegation that the proposal will be discussed internally within the department.
Shri Uma Shankar has assured delegation that they will simplify the licenses process in the next 3 months and make it completely faceless.
The Government will also enable instant download of the license upon payment of requisite fee.
We shall keep you posted on any development in this regard.