Traders observe bandh on GO 517 in AP Dist

Vijayawada, July 18 (UNI) In a bid to mount pressure on the state government to withdraw GO 517 making it was mandatory for all traders to submit details of purchases and sales every quarter, traders today observed a bandh in Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh.

All wholesale and retail shops were closed. However,retail medical shops were exempt from the bandh, Vijayawada Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vice-President D Venkata Narasimha Rao told UNI here.

Mr Rao said about 1,000 traders took out a rally from the chamber to the sub-collector office and handed over a memorandum to Sub-Collector Ch Bhanu Prasad demanding the withdrawal of the GO.

He said traders would organise a 'chalo Hyderabad'programme if the GO was not withdrawn.

An appeal was made to traders to send telegrams and postcards to Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy and Commercial Taxes Minister K Ramakrishna expressing opposition to the GO.

Mr Rao said reports reaching here said traders observed a total bandh in Guntur, East Godavari, West Godavari, Telangana and Rayalaseema Districts.

He said it was not possible for them to submit quarterly details of sales and purchases as business would take a hit.

Andhra Pradesh Action Committee of Traders' Association President Gaddam Subba Rao resented the government's 'stubborn' attitude on the issue and vowed to continue with the agitation till the GO was withdrawn.He also urged the state government to abolish VAT on foodgrains.

UNI