Pune: Maharashtra Traders to Observe Statewide Shutdown on August 27 Demanding GST Regulation Changes
Pune/Sangli, 8th August 2024: With the introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on foodgrains, the regulation cess levied by the Agricultural Produce Market Committee should be abolished, according to Amarsingh Desai Desai, president of the Sangli Chamber of Commerce. Desai announced that markets across the Maharashtra State will be closed on August 27 by traders demanding various changes, including relaxation of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act of 2017.
Desai mentioned that the Maharashtra State Traders Action Committee organized a State Traders Council meeting on Sunday (4th August) at the Trade Building in Pune’s Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Market Yard. Representatives from several organizations participated, including the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture (Mumbai), Federation of Associations of Maharashtra (Mumbai), Chamber of Association of Maharashtra Industries and Trade (Mumbai), Grain Rice & Oil Seeds Merchant Association (Mumbai), and The Poona Merchants Chamber (Pune). A total of 150 office bearers from trade associations in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Ulhasnagar, Nashik, Jalgaon, Bhusawal, Junnar, Narayangaon, Chakan, Baramati, Ahmednagar, Barshi, Latur, Solapur, Kolhapur, Sangli, Karad, and Satara attended the conference.
During the meeting, resolutions were passed addressing various demands, including the relaxation of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act of 2017 and the retention of the Legal Metrology Act of 2009 Rule 3. The abolition of the market premises tax has been a longstanding demand, but the government has yet to address these concerns. To draw attention to their issues, traders will observe a one-day symbolic shutdown on 27th August, with wholesale and retail markets across Maharashtra State closing for the day. Additionally, traders in Mumbai will stage an agitation.
A divisional conference for the districts of Satara, Sangli, Pune, Kolhapur, and Solapur will be held on 16th August at 10:00 am in the Market Yard of Sangli. Amarsingh Desai informed that the direction of the movement will be decided at this conference.
