Hubballi: Members of Javali and Cloth Merchants’ Association of Hubballi held a protest against the Central government’s move to introduce Goods & Service Taxes (GST) that has increased taxes on sales of textiles and ready-made garments which are priced above Rs. 1,000.
The protest rally in which hundreds of textile shop owners participated started from Javali Galli and culminated at Mini Vidhana Soudha. The textile shops were closed for more than two hours, as part of the protest. The protesters raised slogans against the government stating that the increase in the taxes would be detrimental to the growth of the industries.
They later submitted a memorandum at the tashildar’s office, addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding to recall the increase in the taxes of ready-made apparels.
Addressing the protesters, Association President Ashok Kumar Khataria said the union government increasing taxes from current the 5 percent to 18 percent would result in a raise in the cost of clothes, which would prove detrimental to the textile business.
He demanded complete roll-back of GST, as it is against the interest of business persons. He also said that their association was not in favour of introduction of GST.
Association members Bharat Palgota, Mukeshbhai Hingeriya, Ashok Bhandari, Shivananda Kottarshetty among others took part in the protest.
