Centre contemplates cyber security cess

Experts say levying a cess on companies is not a way to enhance cyber security of digital payments

Taking steps to fortify the ‘Digital India’ dream, the government is contemplating imposing a cyber security cess on e-payments companies, sources in the government indicated. The Department of Financial Services (DFS), along with  the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the home ministry, are learnt to be preparing such a proposal.

Even as the discussions are at an early stage, the industry is already worked up about it. “I do not know if that is real or not. It would have to be a zero-fee tax for merchants and consumers. Else, we would not see the growth and