Google on Monday said it is deferring the deadline for developers in India to integrate with its Play billing system by six months to March 31, 2022.

The development comes days after many Indian developers and start-ups had raised concerns around Google’s Play billing system, saying the tech giant cannot force Indian app developers/owners to sell digital services by compulsorily using its billing system.

Interestingly, Paytm — which competes with Google Pay — has announced the launch of its Android Mini App Store to support Indian developers.

In a blogpost on Monday, Google said it had heard some additional questions from the developer community in India after posting its clarification to its Play Payments policy at the end of September.

The company is also setting up “listening sessions” with leading Indian start-ups to understand their concerns and will also hold “policy workshops” to help clear any additional questions about its Play Store policies, it added.

“We’re also extending the time for developers in India to integrate with the Play billing system to March 31, 2022. This will give them enough time to implement the UPI for subscription payment option that will be made available on Google Play for all apps that currently use an alternative payment system,” Google said.

Flipkart partners Paytm

Walmart-owned Flipkart on Monday said it has partnered fintech major Paytm to provide customers a slew of offers and benefits during its festive season sale.

“This partnership will enable millions of Paytm users to conveniently pay through their Paytm Wallet and Paytm UPI while shopping on Flipkart during The Big Billion Days.

In addition, Flipkart customers will enjoy instant cashback to their Paytm wallets,” a statement said.

Flipkart will host its annual “The Big Billion Days” sale from October 16-21, while Myntra will hold its “Big Fashion Festival” between October 16-22.