Traders threaten to launch strike
Trade Associations in the national capital have threatened to launch an indefinite strike if Delhi government does not withdraw the VAT amendment notification immediately.
The decision was taken in a meeting of traders here in the presence of BJP Delhi pradesh president Vijender Gupta and Kailash Gupta, convenor of BJP traders cell. About five lakh traders will participate in the strike Vijender Gupta said, “The Sheila Dikshit government is trying to squeeze public money in the name of development. Hike in power tariff, increasing luxury tax by 12.36 per cent, the amendments in VAT collection are just some examples. If the VAT amendments are not taken back, traders will go on indefinite strike.”
The date of proposed strike will be decided soon, he added.Addressing the traders, Kailash Gupta warned that if traders are compelled to go on for an indefinite strike on the issue of VAT amendment, almost two crores people will suffer and Sheila Dikshit’s government will be responsible for it.
“The amendment is very destructive since even the smallest blunder in calculations will attract a fine of Rs 50, 000 on the trader. In case of default of payment, instead of 5 per cent penalty earlier, it has been increased to 40 per cent now,” said Kailash.
He said, even 2 per cent return on VAT deposit through bank is unrealistic as the normal experience of the people about refund of Income Tax is also very cumbersome. According to Kailash, over 500 traders’ organisations have agreed to go on strike if the government do not withdraw the VAT amendment notification immediately.
