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GST heat drives Karnataka's small traders away from UPI mode
GST heat drives Karnataka's small traders away from UPI mode

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Business
  • Time of India

GST heat drives Karnataka's small traders away from UPI mode

Mysuru /Bengaluru: As GST notices continue to land at the doorsteps of small traders across Karnataka, vendors in cities like Mysuru and Bengaluru are increasingly rejecting UPI payments in favour of cash—raising concerns over the future of India's digital payment ecosystem. In Mysuru, small shopkeepers, hotel owners, PG operators, and auto drivers have started declining UPI payments after receiving tax notices. The state's commercial tax department, using cumulative UPI transaction data from the 2022-25 financial years, flagged potential non-compliance—causing panic among merchants unaware that digital inflows could be considered undeclared turnover. "For years, UPI was the easiest way to get paid," said a hotelier from Bogadi. "But I can't maintain records for every transaction. I'd rather lose a few customers than deal with GST registration or file returns for a 1% tax under the composition scheme." You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Bengaluru-based trade activist Sajjan Raj Mehta said while the department is within its legal rights to use UPI data, the lack of clarity and warning has led to confusion. "Many traders didn't know mixed personal and business UPI inflows could be treated as turnover. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You To Read in 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The issue isn't enforcement—it's the absence of prior communication." In Bengaluru, the impact is visible. Rekha, a flower vendor near Banashankari metro station, said she stopped accepting UPI after a neighbour received a GST notice. "Now, customers either leave or argue. My sales have dropped 30% this week." Mehta stressed that notices failed to account for exempt goods. "Fruits, vegetables, and unbranded food items don't require GST registration. Yet, small traders dealing in them have been pulled into the compliance net." The shift isn't yet widespread but is growing. "In tech-savvy areas, UPI use continues. But rural belts and older vendors are reverting to cash," Mehta noted. Customers are feeling the pinch. "Three local stalls refused UPI this week—it's frustrating," said Rohit Dubey, a tech worker in Bengaluru. Homemaker Sunitha S added, "This defeats the purpose of Digital India." Trade bodies are urging the government to intervene. "Traders need clear GST guidelines on UPI, a grievance mechanism for mismatches, and awareness programs in local languages," said Mehta. While large businesses with turnover above Rs 2 crore remain unaffected, Mehta warned that the move could reverse years of progress. "After pushing digital payments post-demonetisation, we're risking a rollback. If UPI equals tax scrutiny, small businesses will default to cash. Trust, once broken, is hard to rebuild." KC Narayana Gowda, president of the Mysuru Hotels Association, called the retrospective notices "highly condemnable." "These should've been issued in the same year. We had to bring in Rs 25 lakh worth of coins to meet demand." KB Lingaraju, president of the Mysuru Chamber of Commerce and Industries, added, "The state must prioritise education over enforcement. Panic won't lead to compliance." With inputs from Supriya Roy

Robust digital connectivity essential as water, electricity and structural safety: TRAI chairman
Robust digital connectivity essential as water, electricity and structural safety: TRAI chairman

Time of India

time3 hours ago

  • Business
  • Time of India

Robust digital connectivity essential as water, electricity and structural safety: TRAI chairman

New Delhi: The new framework for rating of properties for digital connectivity provides a clear, transparent and technology-neutral approach for property developers, infrastructure providers and government agencies to plan, implement, evaluate and improve digital connectivity readiness across various types of premises -- homes, offices, schools, hospitals, transport hubs and smart urban spaces, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India ( TRAI ) Chairperson, Anil Kumar Lahoti , said on Thursday. Speaking at a workshop on 'Framework for Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity' at TRAI headquarters here, Lahoti highlighted that robust digital connectivity has become as essential as water, electricity and structural safety, especially since an estimated 70-80 per cent of mobile data traffic is now consumed indoors. He emphasised the need for Digital Connectivity Infrastructure (DCI) -- the civil, physical and technological components that enable seamless access to telecom networks -- to be planned and embedded at the design stage, rather than added as an afterthought. The event aimed to build awareness about importance of planning digital connectivity infrastructure as a part of property or infrastructure development plan and promote institutional adoption of the Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024, notified by TRAI on October 25, 2024. The regulation introduces a voluntary, performance-based star rating system, similar to green building or energy efficiency ratings, to assess how digitally ready a property or infrastructure is for delivering high-quality broadband and mobile connectivity. The property or infrastructure includes residential buildings, commercial complexes, government offices, airports, highways, stadiums, and railway stations, among others. The TRAI chairperson urged Ministries, Departments and institutions to integrate DCI requirements into project guidelines, model tender documents and training curricula, so that India's built environment is future-ready by design. This framework aligns with flagship national programmes such as Digital India and Smart Cities Mission, supporting the long-term goal of inclusive, high-quality digital access for every citizen. TRAI said it will continue its stakeholder engagement through such workshops, consultations and capacity-building initiatives to facilitate the creation of robust digital connectivity infrastructure in the country.

Meghalaya's Rose leads journey of digital empowerment at grassroots
Meghalaya's Rose leads journey of digital empowerment at grassroots

Time of India

time7 hours ago

  • Business
  • Time of India

Meghalaya's Rose leads journey of digital empowerment at grassroots

1 2 Shillong: From being a job seeker in 2015, Rose Angelina M Kharsyntiew's journey into a job provider and a respected community leader stands out as a powerful testament to grassroots digital empowerment. A Village Level Entrepreneur (VLE) from eastern West Khasi Hills, her decade-long association with the Common Services Centre (CSC) scheme exemplifies how digital access can uplift lives and livelihoods in rural areas. Rose Angelina's exemplary work was officially acknowledged during the celebration of 10 years of ' Digital India ' in New Delhi on Wednesday, when she was awarded a certificate by the Union ministry for her endeavour. The event, led by Union minister of electronics & IT (MeitY) Ashwini Vaishnaw and minister of state Jitin Prasada, specifically recognized the pivotal role of CSCs in bridging India's digital divide. Operating her centre, "Rose CSC," from Mairang, she has been instrumental in delivering essential digital services to her community. These services encompass a wide range of govt schemes, banking, insurance, telemedicine and education. Beyond service delivery, Rose Angelina also spearheads the "Stree Swabhiman" initiative, a sanitary pad manufacturing unit aimed at promoting women's health and generating rural employment. Vaishnaw lauded Rose Angelina's efforts. "Amid the scenic hills and remote villages of eastern West Khasi Hills in Meghalaya, woman VLE Rose Angelina M Kharsyntiew has scripted a digital revolution. Through her centre in Mairang, she has not only delivered services, but also set an example of transformation, empowerment and community service," Vaishnaw said. An official statement on Thursday highlighted the significant growth of the CSC network over the past decade, expanding from 83,000 to over 5.5 lakh centres nationwide and reaching nearly 90% villages.

NAMTECH signs MoU with 7 NE Institutes for skilling, research collaboration
NAMTECH signs MoU with 7 NE Institutes for skilling, research collaboration

The Print

time8 hours ago

  • Business
  • The Print

NAMTECH signs MoU with 7 NE Institutes for skilling, research collaboration

The participating Institutes of National Importance (INIs) include National Institute of Technology Sikkim, NIT Manipur, NIT Nagaland, NIT Silchar, NIT Agartala, NIT Mizoram, and Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Manipur. The collaboration is aimed at co-developing future-ready capabilities across domains such as smart manufacturing, robotics, mobility, artificial intelligence, digital technologies, space, and sustainability, according to a release by NAMTECH, an education initiative by ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India). Ahmedabad, Jul 17 (PTI) Gandhinagar-based NAMTECH has signed a memorandum of understanding with seven premier Institutes of National Importance from Northeast India. This partnership is designed to actively support national flagship initiatives like Make in India, Digital India, and Skill India. The collaboration will span several key areas, including joint research and innovation, co-development of curriculum and micro-credentials, advanced skilling, faculty development, startup incubation, and co-hosting national and international events. It also includes joint degree programmes, student immersion programmes, technology commercialisation, and the preparation of policy white papers in support of government and national think tanks. The alliance will further extend to social impact projects, including the adoption of Engineering Diploma Colleges and ITIs in the vicinity of these INIs under NAMTECH's hub-and-spoke model. Students from these institutions will also have the opportunity to apply for the prestigious NAMTECH MET Fellowship, which supports eligible final-year students and alumni (under 30 years of age) to pursue a one-year International Professional Master's Program (iPMP) at NAMTECH. Arunkumar Pillai, Director General and CEO of NAMTECH, said, 'This strategic partnership marks a significant step in fostering both technological and cultural integration for students from the Northeast'. PTI PJT DR DR This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.

Digital India at 10: A Decade of Transformation Under PM Modi's Vision
Digital India at 10: A Decade of Transformation Under PM Modi's Vision

News18

time8 hours ago

  • Business
  • News18

Digital India at 10: A Decade of Transformation Under PM Modi's Vision

From empowering poor through DBT to setting global standards with UPI and enhancing convenience with DigiLocker and DigiYatra, the initiative has touched every facet of Indian life On July 1, 2025, India celebrates the 10th anniversary of Digital India, a transformative initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 to propel the nation into a digitally empowered future. Under PM Modi's personal conviction and relentless drive, Digital India has redefined governance, economic inclusion, and everyday life, positioning India as a global leader in digital innovation. From revolutionising financial transactions with UPI to enabling seamless access to services through DigiLocker and DigiYatra, and powering India's fight against poverty and Covid-19, Digital India has been an absolute game-changer PM Modi's Vision Prime Minister Modi's unwavering belief in technology as a tool for empowerment has been the cornerstone of Digital India's success. Envisioning a connected, inclusive, and transparent India, PM Modi championed the initiative as a means to bridge the urban-rural divide, reduce bureaucratic red tapism and ensure equitable access to opportunities. His mantra of 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance" has driven the adoption of digital platforms to deliver services directly to citizens, eliminating intermediaries and curbing corruption. From spearheading the JAM (Jan Dhan accounts, Aadhar and Mobile) Trinity to promoting indigenous innovations like UPI, PM Modi's hands-on leadership has transformed Digital India into a global model, earning accolades from world leaders and institutions for its scale and impact. JAM Trinity and DBT A cornerstone of Digital India's impact is the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, built on the JAM Trinity—Jan Dhan (financial inclusion), Aadhaar (unique identity), and Mobile connectivity. This framework has set a new global benchmark for welfare delivery. Since 2014, over 53 crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened, bringing banking to the unbanked, particularly in rural areas. Aadhaar, with over 140 crore enrolments, provides a secure digital identity, while mobile penetration (1.2 billion connections) ensures last-mile connectivity. Together, they have enabled DBT to transfer over Rs 36 lakh crore directly to beneficiaries across 2,200+ schemes by 2024, saving Rs 3.1 lakh crore by eliminating leakages and ghost beneficiaries. This system has been pivotal in India's fight against poverty. By ensuring subsidies for food, fuel, education, and healthcare reach the intended recipients, DBT has empowered millions, particularly women and marginalised communities. For instance, schemes like PM Kisan Samman Nidhi have supported 11 crore farmers with direct income transfers, while Ujjwala Yojana has provided 10 crore LPG connections to rural women. The World Bank has lauded India's DBT as a model for developing nations, crediting PM Modi's vision for its efficiency and scale. UPI: The World's Best Payment Model The Unified Payments Interface (UPI), launched in 2016 under PM Modi's guidance, has revolutionised digital payments, making India a global fintech leader. UPI's simple, secure, and instant transaction system has processed over 1,600 crore transactions monthly in 2024, accounting for 80 per cent of global real-time payment volumes. With a transaction value exceeding Rs 200 lakh crore annually, UPI has outpaced systems like Visa and Mastercard in accessibility and adoption. Its interoperability allows users to pay via QR codes, mobile apps, or USSD, even in remote areas, fostering financial inclusion. UPI's global impact is profound. Countries like Singapore, UAE, and France have adopted UPI-based systems, while the G20 has recognized it as a blueprint for digital economies. PM Modi's push for UPI has empowered small vendors, street hawkers, and rural entrepreneurs, integrating them into the formal economy. By reducing cash dependency, UPI has also enhanced transparency, curbing black money and tax evasion. DigiLocker and DigiYatra Digital India has transformed everyday convenience through platforms like DigiLocker and DigiYatra. DigiLocker, a cloud-based platform, has issued over 6.5 crore digital documents to 150 crore users by 2024, enabling paperless access to IDs, certificates, and licences. This has simplified processes like job applications, education admissions, and government verifications, saving time and costs. Under PM Modi's oversight, DigiLocker's integration with Aadhaar and UPI has made it a cornerstone of e-governance. DigiYatra, introduced in 2022, has revolutionised air travel by enabling contactless, biometric-based check-ins at over 24 airports, serving 1.5 crore passengers by 2024. By linking facial recognition with boarding passes and Aadhaar, DigiYatra reduces airport processing time by 30 per cent, enhancing traveler convenience. These initiatives reflect PM Modi's commitment to using technology to make life easier for every Indian. Digital India played a pivotal role in India's world-leading Covid-19 vaccination campaign. The CoWIN platform, developed under PM Modi's guidance, became the backbone of India's vaccine rollout, enabling registration, scheduling, and certification for over 220 crore doses administered by 2024. With 97 per cent first-dose and 90% second-dose coverage, CoWIN's real-time tracking and integration with Aadhaar ensured transparency and efficiency. The platform's open API allowed global replication, with countries like Nigeria adopting similar systems. Beyond domestic success, PM Modi's Vaccine Maitri initiative leveraged Digital India's infrastructure to supply over 100 million vaccine doses to 100 countries, reinforcing India's role as the 'pharmacy of the world." Digital tools like Aarogya Setu, with 50 crore downloads, further supported contact tracing and health awareness, showcasing Digital India's crisis-response capabilities. Digital India's impact extends beyond finance and healthcare, transforming multiple sectors and aligning with PM Modi's Viksit Bharat vision. In education, platforms like SWAYAM and DIKSHA have delivered 2,200+ courses to 4 crore students, bridging learning gaps in rural areas. The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) has created 76 crore ABHA IDs and linked 52 crore health records, revolutionising healthcare delivery through telemedicine (e-Sanjeevani serves 36 crore patients). In agriculture, e-NAM connects 1.76 crore farmers to 1,000+ markets, boosting incomes. Digital infrastructure, with 7.8 lakh km of optical fiber and 25 lakh Wi-Fi hotspots under BharatNet, has connected 2.5 lakh gram panchayats, empowering rural India. The National Broadband Mission aims for universal 50 Mbps connectivity by 2025, supporting India's $5 trillion economy goal. Initiatives like Smart Cities and e-governance portals (e.g., UMANG, with 2,300+ services) have enhanced urban and administrative efficiency, contributing to economic growth projected at 7.5 per cent annually. As Digital India marks a decade, its achievements under PM Modi's leadership are unparalleled. From empowering the poor through DBT to setting global standards with UPI, and enhancing convenience with DigiLocker and DigiYatra, the initiative has touched every facet of Indian life. Its role in navigating the Covid-19 crisis and transforming sectors like education, healthcare, and agriculture underscores its versatility. By fostering inclusion, transparency, and innovation, Digital India is the bedrock of PM Modi's Viksit Bharat vision, propelling India toward a developed, digitally empowered future by 2047. As the world looks to India for digital inspiration, PM Modi's legacy as the architect of this revolution shines brighter than ever. The writer is a national spokesperson of BJP, besides being an author. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. tags : DigiLocker digital india DigiYatra pm narendra modi UPI view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 01, 2025, 15:14 IST News opinion Opinion | Digital India at 10: A Decade of Transformation Under PM Modi's Vision Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. 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