The Hindu : New Delhi News : Traders protest against Govt. apathy

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Thursday, Apr 24, 2008
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New Delhi

Traders protest against Govt. apathy

Staff Reporter

Photo: Sandeep Saxena

Sharing the dais: Former Delhi Chief Minister Madan Lal Khurana with Bharatiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal president Shyam Behari Mishra during the traders’ rally in New Delhi on Wednesday.

NEW DELHI: Traders from across the country under the aegis of Bharatiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal organised a rally at Ramlila Grounds here on Wednesday.

Led by the Bharatiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal president, former Member of Parliament Shyam Behari Mishra, the participants in the rally accused the Government of failing to protect the traders’ rights even after 60 years of independence.

Rally coordinator Bal Krishna Agarwal said the Government had been bad-mouthing the traders by accusing them of hoarding essential commodities.

Manohar Lal Kumar, coordinator of the Delhi wing of the traders’ organisation, said the traders in the Capital had been badly affected first by the sealing drive that was carried out and now by the recent order pertaining to the amendment in the tenancy laws applicable to shops.

Addressing the rally, Mr. Mishra said the Government had passed on the blame for the recent surge in inflation to the traders whereas actually it was its flawed policies that had led to the sharp rise in prices.

He demanded that the total tax payable by traders not exceed 20 per cent as against the current 42 per cent. The Centre and the State should fix 12 and 8 per cent tax respectively, he added. He said the implementation of VAT had also led to the price rise in the country and the Government should issue a White Paper on the reason for implementing the tax even as the traders were vehemently opposed to it.

Mr. Mishra also sought relief and waiver for the traders in the small-scale sectors, whose establishments had closed down and therefore they were unable to repay loans. He also sought similar relief for the traders whose small shops or cottage industry had wound up and had taken a loan of Rs.1 lakh and sought the setting up of a traders’ relief fund.

Former Delhi Chief Minister Madan Lal Khurana also attended the rally.

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