That’s the new reality; and it’s not about being taxed. It’s about being told: ‘You can’t expect free everything forever.’ NITI Aayog’s Ashok Lahiri dropped this truth bomb; using Chanakya’s wisdom. A bee collects honey without bruising flowers. Governments, he says, should collect modest charges the same way; gently, without pain. His point? Businesses that rely on free UPI can’t keep expecting subsidies. Even cheque books cost you something. So why should digital payments be free forever? Critics are screaming; calling it a ‘Modi Tax’. Congress even tied it to Trump (again). But the government’s line? This isn’t foreign pressure; it’s fiscal common sense. And no, they won’t roll it back. Here’s the real lesson: Free isn’t sustainable. The UPI revolution we celebrated is now entering Phase 2; where users and merchants share the responsibility. The cost? Less than a cup of tea for most. The bigger story? India’s digital economy is growing up. And growing up means paying for what it uses; even if it stings a little at first.