Food grain traders on indefinite closure against VAT

Kanpur, Jan 4 (UNI) The food grain traders here today proceeded on indefinite closure to protest the implementation of the VAT regime in Uttar Pradesh.

The wholesale and retail shops at Collectorgunj and Naubasta grain markets remained closed to protest VAT.

Traders had yesterday held a meeting at Naubasta grain market and decided for the indefinite closure.

Kanpur Dal Mill Association (KDMA), which was on strike since January 1, has now also closed their units indefinitely.

Pramod Jaiswal of KDMA said there was no tax on pulses and food grains in neighbouring states.

''Earlier, there was 2.5 per cent mandi fee. After VAT, traders will have to pay four per cent tax on pulses and food grains,'' he lamented.

After closure of dal mills, the prices of pulses have gone up by Rs 5 a kilo.

Traders have also decided not to dispatch pulses to other states.

UNI AKM VS BJR RS1941