Maharashtra Traders to Protest Regulatory Tax and GST by Closing Markets on August 27
By: Admin|August 06, 2024|Categories: GST Recent News
In a significant move aimed at voicing their concerns over the imposition of regulatory tax by Market Committees and the complexities of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) law, traders across Maharashtra have announced a statewide market closure on August 27. This action follows a recent meeting in Pune organized by the Maharashtra State Traders Action Committee (MSTAC), where traders united to address pressing issues affecting their livelihoods and the overall business environment.
Overview of the Protest
On August 27, traders will engage in a symbolic one-day closure, during which both wholesale and retail markets across the state will remain shut. This protest is designed to draw the government’s attention to the ongoing challenges faced by traders, who argue that the regulatory tax and cumbersome GST regulations are stifling their businesses. Additionally, a rally is scheduled to take place in Mumbai on the same day, further amplifying their demands.
The President of The Poona Merchants Chamber emphasized the necessity of reform in the regulatory framework governing the market. He argued that goods from processing industries in packaged form should not fall under the purview of market regulations. Instead, he suggested that market committees should focus on providing infrastructure and charge maintenance fees based on the facilities they offer, rather than exerting control over agricultural products.
Key Demands of the Traders
The protesting traders have outlined several key demands that they believe will foster a more conducive business environment:
- Cancellation of Regulatory Tax: Traders are calling for the immediate cancellation of the regulatory tax imposed by Market Committees, which they view as an unnecessary financial burden.
- Simplification of GST: There is a pressing need to simplify the GST law, which traders argue is riddled with complexities that make compliance challenging. The President of The Poona Merchants Chamber highlighted that the government is consistently setting new revenue records through GST, and it is essential to streamline the process for taxpayers.
- Correction of Technical Errors: Traders are advocating for provisions that allow taxpayers to correct technical errors made inadvertently in the past, easing the compliance burden on small businesses.
- Exemption for Certain Goods: The traders demand that goods imported from other states or countries should not be subjected to regulatory scrutiny, thus ensuring smoother trade operations.
- Freedom of Movement for Agricultural Products: There is a call for agricultural products moved from one market committee area to another within Maharashtra to be free from regulatory conditions. This change would enhance the flexibility and efficiency of agricultural trade.
- Modernization of Market Facilities: To compete effectively with multinational companies and e-commerce platforms, traders argue for the establishment of more primary facilities and modern trade systems within market committees.
- Abolition of GST on Food Items: The traders are also pushing for the complete abolition of GST on food items, believing that this would significantly ease the financial burden on consumers and enhance market stability.
The Importance of This Protest
This statewide protest and market closure are pivotal in exerting pressure on the Maharashtra government to address the traders’ demands. The collective action represents the frustrations of many small and medium-sized businesses that have been significantly impacted by regulatory policies and tax structures.
Traders believe that without meaningful reforms, the survival of traditional businesses is at stake, especially with the rise of e-commerce and multinational corporations that often benefit from more favorable regulatory conditions. The issues raised by traders are not just economic; they also affect the livelihoods of countless unskilled workers who rely on these businesses for their income.
Call to Action
The Maharashtra State Traders Action Committee is urging all traders across the state to participate actively in the protest on August 27. By uniting their voices, they hope to prompt the government to reconsider current policies and implement changes that will support the trading community.
Conclusion
As Maharashtra prepares for this critical protest, the stakes are high for the traders who feel cornered by excessive taxation and regulatory complexities. Their demands for a fairer business environment resonate with many across the state, highlighting the need for urgent governmental intervention.
Traders and their supporters are optimistic that their collective action will lead to positive changes, fostering a thriving marketplace that benefits all stakeholders involved. The outcome of this protest could very well shape the future of trading in Maharashtra
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