The debate over whether UPI should continue as a zero-cost payment system has turned into a political face-off between Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. At the heart of the controversy is Section 10A of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, which currently mandates zero MDR on UPI and RuPay transactions. Her contention is that allowing regulated MDR will support banks and fintechs to invest in infrastructure, innovation and security, with benefits flowing back to all UPI users. The actual rate will be decided later by the UPI and Services Steering Committee headed by NPCI, after Parliament passes the Bill. 'Parliamentary shortcut' vs 'constructive engagement'The manner in which the Bill was passed has become another flashpoint.