The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has called a Bharat Bandh tomorrow on 26 February during which the traders will stage dharnas (protests) at as many as 1,500 places across the nation, demanding the Centre, state governments and the GST Council to keep in abeyance the “draconian” provisions of GST.
All commercial markets across the country will remain closed across the country on 26 February in view of the Bharat Bandh called by the traders’ body in protest against GST, fuel price hike, E-Way Bill.
The Indian traders’ body Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has announced that all commercial markets across the country will remain closed on February 26. Traders across the country are demanding a review of the provisions of the goods and services tax (GST) regime.
According to the CAIT, the traders will stage dharnas (protests) at as many as 1,500 places across the nation on February 26, demanding the Centre, state governments and the GST Council to keep in abeyance the “draconian” provisions of GST.
The CAIT also called for a review of the GST system and its tax slabs to simplify and rationalise it for easier compliance by traders. CAIT Secretary-General Praveen Khandelwal said it is also talking to the government on this issue, adding that All India Transporters Welfare Association (AITWA) will also support CAIT’s Bharat Bandh call and hold a ‘Chakka Jam’ on February 26.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, he said, “All commercial markets across the country will remain closed and protest dharnas will be organised in different cities of all states,” adding that along with CAIT, over 40,000 traders’ associations across the country will support the Bandh.
Khandelwal observed that voluntary compliance is the key to a successful GST regime, as it will encourage more people to join the indirect tax system, increase tax base and boost revenue. According to reports, over 40,000 traders’ associations across the country will support the Bandh. All India Transporters Welfare Association (AITWA) will also support CAIT’s Bharat Bandh call and hold a ‘Chakka Jam’ on February 26.