Owners of bakeries, tea and coffee stalls, condiment shops and other small businesses across Bengaluru observed a strike on Thursday, protesting what they described as continued harassment by government officials and extortion attempts by rowdy elements.
Organisers of the protest said the strike was intended to draw attention to the challenges faced by small traders, many of whom operated on narrow profit margins and depended on daily business for their livelihood.
Traders alleged harassment and excessive regulation
According to representatives of the trade associations, Bengaluru had more than 58,000 bakeries, condiment stores, small retailers and street vendors. They claimed that officials had been subjecting shop owners to frequent inspections and enforcement actions under regulations such as the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), plastic ban rules and other licensing requirements.
Ravi Shetty Byndoor, president of the Karnataka Labour Council, said traders were being asked to obtain separate licences for selling cigarettes, food products and beverages, creating additional financial and administrative burdens.
The association demanded a simplified licensing system that would allow small establishments to operate under a single licence.
Extortion concerns were raised
Apart from regulatory issues, traders also alleged that some businesses had faced extortion demands from anti-social elements. They claimed that pressure from municipal health department officials and the seizure of tobacco products had further affected their operations.
Business owners argued that repeated enforcement actions and uncertainty had made it difficult for small enterprises to sustain themselves.
More protests were likely if demands remained unmet
The association warned that the strike could be followed by larger demonstrations if authorities failed to address their concerns. Proposed actions included protests outside the residences and offices of elected representatives.
Organisers said the movement was aimed at securing a fair and supportive environment for small traders, who play a significant role in Bengaluru’s local economy and employment generation.