The bill empowering the Central Government to authorize other service providers, including banks, to levy charges for other electronic payment methods, including the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system, was passed in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.
The bill, introduced to amend the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, was approved in the Lok Sabha through a voice vote without any debate, due to the continuous disruption by opposition parties.
As the Lok Sabha convened at 11 a.m., opposition members created a ruckus, raising the issues of police excesses against NEET protest students and the alleged irregularities in donations to the Ram temple. As a result, the Lok Sabha was adjourned repeatedly.
When the House reconvened at 2 p.m., Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, the Payment and Settlement Systems (Amendment) Bill, the Income Tax Bill, 2025, and the Finance Bill (Amendment) for the House’s consideration and approval.
Section 10 of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 prohibits banks from levying service charges on electronic money transactions. By amending this, the bill empowers the central government to allow a small fee to be imposed on electronic money transactions, including UPI, in a way that ensures banks and other service institutions receive a steady income.
As the opposition’s uproar continued, it became impossible to hold a debate on this bill in the House. Therefore, the Speaker put the bill to a voice vote. Following support from a majority of members, the bill was approved in the Lok Sabha.
Service charges are levied on RTGS and NEFT money transfers made through the bank website. However, no charges are currently imposed on UPI transactions. Going forward, service charges will also be imposed on these.