THE ‘Bharat Vyapar Bandh’ on Thursday was a grand success across the country. More than 8 crore small businesses belonging to about 40,000 trade associations across the country kept their shutters closed and no trading activity took place in commercial markets of the country.

 

The call of Bharat Vyapar Bandh was given by CAIT to lodge strong protest of the business community against some of the arbitrary and draconian amendments made in GST rules on December 22 and thereafter and demanding their immediate deferment. CAIT also protested against unethical business practices of foreign e-commerce companies who are continuously and openly violating the FDI policy much to the disadvantage of domestic trade.

 

CAIT has demanded immediate issuance of a new Press Note to replace Press Note No 2 of the FDI policy plugging the loopholes and escape route to e-commerce companies who are bent upon violating the law.

 

The commercial markets across the country wore a deserted look as Vyapar Bandh was observed by traders of all States from east to west and north to south India presenting a united and firm voice to Central Government, State Government and GST Council that colonisation of GST system will lead to disruption in trade and economy.

 

In all States, both wholesale and retail markets remained closed on February 26 restricting Business to Business (B2B) and Business to Consumers (B2C) to a minimal level since supply and distribution of essential commodities, chemist shops, general stores supplying milk and dairy products were excluded from the purview of the Vyapar Bandh.

 

All India Transport Welfare Association (AITWA), All India FMCG Products Distributors Federation, All India Women Entrepreneurs Association, Hawkers Joint Action Committee, All India Computer Media Dealers Association, Federation of All India Vegetable Oil Dealers Association, National Small Industries Association and large number of other national and state level organisations participated in Vyapar Bandh. In total nearly 8 crore traders, 1 crore transporters, 3 crore hawkers and nearly 75 lakh small industries all over India kept their business premises closed.

In a joint statement, CAIT National President B C Bhartia and Secretary General Praveen Khandelal said that the arbitrary and unfettered powers given to tax officials will bring Inspector Raj in the country once again. Instead of using it against the tax offenders, the harassment and victimisation of the honest and tax complying traders can not be ruled out on the basis of trader’s past experience.

 

CAIT has demanded that the controversial provisions of GST rules should be kept in abeyance and traders should be taken into confidence before bringing any amendment in law or rules.