Gujarat traders to observe state-wide bandh tomorrow against VAT

Vadodara, Apr 30 (UNI) About 1.5 million traders from Gujarat will observe a ''Gujarat Bandh'' tomorrow protesting against implementation of Value Added Tax (VAT) and non-abolition of octroi by the State Government.

The ''bandh'' call has been given by the Gujarat Saurashtra Vyapar Udhyog Mahamandal (GSVUM), a newly formed traders outfit, here today.

Talking to UNI after an emergency meeting of the Mahamandal, GSVUM general secretary Paresh Parikh criticised the State Government for implementing the VAT from April 1 without taking the traders into confidence.

The traders had been demanding simplification of VAT laws as well as total abolition of octroi, Mr Parikh said and rejected the Government's recent decision to amend some of the provisions in the VAT law.

Mr Parikh, who is also the convenor of the All Vadodara Vyapar Vikash Association (AVVVA), said the ''bandh'' would be observed in a peaceful manner. The association had earlier observed a ''Vadodara Bandh'' on April 6 to press for their demands.

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