Traders call for bandh against GST on June 30

Traders associations across the national Capital on Tuesday called for a nationwide bandh to protest against some of the provisions of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The Bhartiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal (BUVM) has called for the strike on June 30 and has sent letters to all associations across India, seeking solidarity for the stir.

Representatives of the union, which has over 17,000 traders’ associations affiliated to it, also plan to organise an All Delhi Traders Meet on Wednesday, where they will chalk out a strategy to reach out to traders and those running small-time industries and factories, and urge them to join the movement. 

“We are not against the GST. There is a list of provisions in it, however, which can prove fatal to the growth of business for small-time traders and those in the unorganised sector. Also, the rules lack clarity and transparency,” BUVM National General Secretary Vijay Prakash Jain said.  

The traders’ body had passed a resolution regarding the bandh in its National Executive Meeting held at the Constitution Club on June 23. The body maintains that there should not be more than 15 per cent tax on any item. Also, it is against the levying of taxes on foodgrains and garments.