India’s digital economy was supposed to be a story of empowerment — of chaiwalas flashing QR codes, fruit vendors skipping change hassles, and small businesses riding the wave of UPI-powered inclusion. But just when the country seemed to be turning the corner on cash, the bureaucracy decided to

In Bengaluru, several small traders, food vendors, and street shopkeepers have stopped accepting UPI payments and switched back to cash-only transactions. The shift follows a wave of GST notices sent to unregistered vendors whose UPI transactions crossed prescribed turnover thresholds. Many vendors fear that digital payment records are being used by tax authorities to