Bharat bandh: CAIT calls for protest over rising fuel prices, GST; Commercial markets to be shut Feb 26
All commercial markets across the country will remain closed across the country on 26 February in view of the Bharat Bandh.
FollowTraders' body The Confederation of All India Traders have called for a Bharat Bandh on Friday protesting against the rising fuel prices, Goods and Services Tax, E-Bill etc.
Nearly 40,000 traders associations, representing eight crore Indian traders have expressed support to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) call for a Bharat Bandh on February 26.
All commercial markets across the country will remain closed across the country on 26 February in view of the Bharat Bandh.
Traders across the country are demanding a review of the provisions of the goods and services tax (GST) regime.
Besides traders, the All India Transport Welfare Association (AITWA), which is the apex body for organised road transportation companies, also announced support for the bandh and said it will host a ‘Chakka Jam’ (road blockade) on the day of the strike, the report added.
The CAIT has also cited the GST as ‘one of the most complex taxation systems, which has resulted in misery to traders.’
Notably, AITWA and CAIT are pushing for either complete removal of the new E-Way Bill or editing of certain rules from the same, besides asking for roll-back of heavy taxes on fuel amid rising prices. They have in particular asked for uniformity in diesel prices across India, it said.
On Sunday, they even wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi raising issues related to the GST regime and alleging violation of e-commerce rules by major e-tailer companies.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, CAIT Secretary-General Praveen Khandelwal 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.
· All commercial markets across the country will remain closed as over 40,000 traders' associations are taking part in the bandh.
· Private transport is likely to be hit as the transporters' association (AITWA) have asked all transport companies to park their vehicles between 6am and 8pm as a symbolic protest.
· Booking and movement of Bill-oriented goods will be hit.
· Dharnas will be held nationwide at 1,500 places.
· 40 lakh vehicles will remain off the road on Friday.
· Reports said All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) and Bhaichara All India Truck Operator Welfare Association (BAITOWA) will not take part in the strike.
