Protests across nation against ‘hasty’ rollout

New Delhi, June 30

Commercial establishments and wholesale commodity markets in some cities remained closed today in protest against the “hasty” rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime.

As the GST was set for an ambitious rollout, Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation called for a general strike in the Valley tomorrow against the new unified tax system.

Commercial establishments in major cities in Madhya Pradesh were closed as part of a bandh called by traders and a trade bandh call by Bharatiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal (BUVM) in West Bengal evoked mixed reaction.

Trade and industry bodies in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana urged the Centre to be lenient for at least one year on filing of returns as many more businesses come under the GST regime for the first time.

Wholesale commodity markets, including grains, pulses and sugar in Delhi were closed in protest against the five per cent GST on branded grains and sugar.

A majority of wholesale grain, pulse and other commodity shops were shut in Naya Bazar, said Ashok Kumar Bansal, general secretary, Grain Merchant Welfare Organisation.

According to Ravindra Modi, president of the Federation of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, it would take at least six months for the trade to get accustomed to the new regime. “...There are some issues that need clarity. We will learn about it only after implementation,” he said. In MP, shops in Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior and Jabalpur downed shutters. — PTI