MORE than 6 lakh traders, transporters and industrialists closed their establishments in Chhattisgarh and joined the nationwide Bharat Vyapar Bandh on Friday called by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) against frequent arbitrary amendments in GST rules by flouting the fundamental rights of all coming under the GST.

 

Though the Bharat Bandh received mixed response in some areas, each and every traders and others who are connected with GST opened their establishment felt that many unilateral amendments made in GST rules has generated gross resentment, anger among the traders across the country. The traders staged demonstration in all districts of State demanding a review of the provisions of the GST regime.

 

CAIT and other association office bearers led by CAIT’s National Vice-President Amar Parwani visited major commercial areas and markets across Raipur city. The shop and showroom owners who opened their establishment were explained that they are also a part of the problems created with anti-trader rules of GST.

 

The bandh was called owing to serious resentment among the business houses across the nation. As such they should realise the importance of Bharat Vyapar Bandh which will benefit all trading community and appealed to support the bandh.

 

State General Secretary of CAIT Chhattisgarh Chapter Jitendra Doshi and State Vice-President Vikram Singhdeo demanded that all disputed amendments should be suspended and before implementation of the amendments the trade bodies should be taken into confidence for the changes to be made. The duo also suggested that the Government should form a GST Committee consisting of State and Central-level officials along with traders representatives for providing suitable environment and proper implementation of GST. The prominent commercial establishments that extended support to the Bharat Vyapar Bandh are Raipur Automobiles Dealers Association, Chhattisgarh Sarafa Association, Chhattisgarh Hotel and Restaurant Association, All India Retail Chemist Association, Station Road Vyapari Sangh, Shriram Thok Sabji Market (Dumartarai), Gol Bazar Vyapari Sangh, Jawahar Bazar Vyapari Sangh, Urla Industries Association, Chhattisgarh Sales Tax Bar Council, Shri Gurunanak Chowk Vyapari Sangh, Indira Gandhi Vyavasiyik Parisar Bazar Sangh (Pandri), Narmadapara Vyapari Sangh, Raipur Machinery Merchant Association, Katora Talab Vyapari sangh, Chhattisgarh Plastic Nirmata Evam Vikreta Sangh, Thok Kirana Vyapari Sangh (Gudhiyari), Raipur Iron and Steel Trade Association, Alu-Pyaj Aadhatiya Sangh, Bhanpuri Thok Alu-Pyaj Vyapari Sangh, Chhattisgarh Fataka Vyapari Sangh, Chhattisgarh Electrical Merchant Association, Chhattisgarh Chai Vyapari sangh, Shankar Nagar Chowk and Footkar Vyapari Sangh, Raipur Confectionary Association, Raipur Plywood Traders Association, Raipur Cycle Merchant Association, Chhattisgarh Glass Association and many more.

 

The Chamber election is also due in State and owing to the election the Bharat Vyapar Bandh also suffered marginally as one group was not supportive of the bandh. The shop owners who kept their shops open though was concurrent to the fact that the GST norms has hit them hard but since the Chhattisgarh Chamber of Commerce and Industry do not support this bandh they kept their shops open. However Confederation of All India Traders Chhattisgarh chapter was supporting the bandh as its national body had called the bandh. While the traders and the business community agreed to the purpose of the bandh and called it genuine but there appeared a disparity in the way the two associations responded to the call in State.

 

Electoral politics seems to have crept into the genuine demands of the business and trading community affecting all people. The bandh should have been total in the state, if these people had any concern for the trading community and people of the state. However they seem to be more interested in their own vested interest, stated a senior member of the community.