Vadodara traders observe bandh to protest VAT

Vadodara, Apr 6: City traders today observed a bandh, protesting against implementation of Value Added Tax (VAT) and non-abolition of octroi duties by the Gujarat government.

The walled city area wore a deserted look with more than 95 per cent shops, bazars and business establishments remaining closed, the bandh had partial impact in the western part comprising Alkapuri, Gorwa and Old Padra Road.

Police said the bandh had remained peaceful so far.

Mobile patrolling in all main market areas had been intensified.

The All Vadodara Vepar Vikash Association (AVVVA), which had given the bandh call, today claimed it had been ''totally successful'' due to whole hearted support from all traders' associations and business communities.

The association, which is an apex body of about 70 different traders associations, however, decided to continue their strike tomorrow as government seems to be firm on its stand on the VAT issue.

About 1,000 traders shouting anti-VAT slogans, today took out a procession in the main thoroughfares of the city from the Gandhinagar Gruh before submitting a memorandum to district collector Rajiv Topno and Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) Mayor Sunil Solanki in support of their demands.

AVVVA convenor Paresh Paikh said ''on the second day of bandh tomorrow, the association has planned a motor-cycle rally with black banners and placards to move across the city and ensure a complete bandh.'' The association was demanding simplification in the VAT law and immediate abolition of octroi duties being charged by six Municipal Corporations in the State.

UNI

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