Representative picture of a helpline attendants.
Credit: DH File Photo
Bengaluru: With several vendors pulling out of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) after receiving notices from commercial taxes department, the BJP on Monday announced a helpline for them, while the ruling Congress slammed Modi administration over the fiasco.
The BJP said small traders could call 88842 45123 seeking help if they get notices from the commercial taxes department.
The saffron party said bakeries, condiment stores and other retail sellers outside the GST net were getting notices. "We will forever fight the Congress government that is making life difficult for small businesses just to fill its coffers," the party said.
"Issuing notices to small traders has disrupted their business severely," former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai said. He urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to reach out to the small traders. "As the finance minister, Siddaramaiah must resolve this issue and also ensure a lawful and practical framework is provided for traders to pay taxes in the future," Bommai, the Haveri MP, said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar pointed fingers at the central government. "In 2019, the union government asked states to deal with those whose turnover exceeds Rs 40 lakh. Notices have been given to 14,000 traders, including those selling tender coconuts, flowers and vegetables. Officials are being pressured to follow orders," he said.