Traders Oppose 5% GST on Textiles, Threaten Strike

Some textile traders, who are opposed to the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) because it will usher in purported transparency, will be going to New Delhi on Tuesday to convince the central government to not levy even 5 per cent GST on textiles. They owe allegiance to South Gujarat Textile Traders Association (SGTTA), one of whose sections has given a call for strike on June 15 against the implementation of GST from July 1 in the country.

There are about 80,000 textile traders in 120 textile markets in the city which have a daily turnover of Rs 100 crore.

"Some traders belonging to our association believe that once GST is implemented, inspector raj would return. It will be difficult for people to maintain books of accounts," SGTTA president Sanvarlal Budhiya said. He has an annual turnover of Rs 3 crore.

A trader, who has annual turnover of about Rs 8 crore, said, "We are not liable to pay GST. We pay income tax and that should be enough."

A processor said, "This is political. These people are more inclined towards Congress. The party supports GST but wants to create problems at the grassroots level. GST means transparency and these people don't want it."

SGTTA leaders said the final decision on strike would be taken after their visit to New Delhi.