Decision by traders to intensify the agitation after the August 27 strike and pressure on trader leaders to take a political stance in the upcoming legislative assembly elections.

24/08/2024

Decision by traders to intensify the agitation after the August 27 strike and pressure on trader leaders to take a political stance in the upcoming legislative assembly elections.

Due to issues like the lack of basic facilities in APMC markets, 1% APMC service charge, inconsistencies in GST laws, and amendments to the Legal Metrology Act, traders across Maharashtra have decided to organize a one-day symbolic strike across the state on August 27, 2024. To make this strike successful and to decide on the next important strategy, a meeting was held today, Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 2:30 PM at Velji Lakhamshi Nappu-Groma Hall, Groma House, 9th Floor, Plot No: 14-C, Sector-19, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, with representatives and traders from all the trade associations of Maharashtra, including FAM, Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Pune Merchants Chamber, CAMIT, and others. Numerous meetings have been held across Maharashtra over the past month.

GROMA President Bhimjibhai Bhanushali, MCCAI's Lalit Gandhi, FAM President Jitendra Shah, FAM Director General Pritesh Shah, Pune Merchants Chamber President Rajkumar Nahar, Maharashtra State Action Committee Convener Rajendra Bathiya, CAMIT's Dipen Agrawal, along with Amrishbhai Barot, Kirtibhai Rana, Retail Grain Merchants Association's Ramaniklal Cheda, and other prominent traders were present.

GROMA President Bhimjibhai Bhanushali stated that despite traders in APMC markets paying crores in cess, there is still a lack of basic amenities such as lights, drinking water, security, and CCTV cameras. Rajendra Bathiya mentioned that if farmers are not coming to sell their goods in the APMC market, then why should the APMC Act be enforced? Jitendra Shah emphasized that traders must show unity and fight successfully for their issues and make this Agitation success. Despite repeated representations to the Finance Minister, central  Ministers , and the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers of the state regarding traders' problems, no response has been received so far. There are numerous issues like GST, FSSAI, BPT , BIS and QCO regulations in stainless steel utensils. Rajkumar Nahar suggested that if the government does not pay attention to our issues, we should resort to non-cooperation with the government. Dipen Agrawal encouraged traders to maintain unity in the fight, stating that success is inevitable. Following this, Lalit Gandhi stated that traders have significant strength and can achieve what they desire. We are conducting a peaceful agitation only for our rights, and demonstrating our unity will certainly lead to success. GROMA Vice President Amrutlal Jain suggested that traders who pay taxes for a lifetime should receive 10% of the tax amount as a pension.

Despite numerous representations and meetings with the government and officials regarding the dignity and existence of traders, no concrete solution has been found yet, leading to increasing frustration among the trading community. Therefore, if no positive response is received from the government immediately, a one-day symbolic strike has been organized across the state on August 27, 2024. This strike has received support from major trade unions across the country and all trader associations in Maharashtra, as stated by GROMA President Bhimjibhai Bhanushali. Additionally, Lalitbhai Gandhi, the President of today's meeting, mentioned that if no positive response is received by August 27, a meeting of the Maharashtra State Action Committee will be held on September 5 to decide on the next strategy and intensify the agitation.