Only those who talk of traders benefit will get our support: Traders

New Delhi, Aug 9 (UNI) Claiming itself to be a strong vote bank in the run up to the polls to the Delhi Legislative Assembly and the Lok Sabha, the trading community today cautioned political parties that only those parties which took care of the traders' interests, would get support from the trading community.

Raising slogan 'Jo Vyapari Hit Ki Baat Karega-Wahi Vyapari Vote Par Raj Karega' (those who talk of traders benefit will get traders vote), the traders held a massive rally in the capital, under the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) to press for their various demands which included declartion of a National Trade Policy for internal trade, formation of Ministry of Internal Trade both at the Centre and State level, formation of a Trade Commission on the pattern of Planning Commission, simplification and rationalisation of tax structure, review of tax&other laws and rules governing trade, protection of small retailers from the clutches of the big corporate houses and multinational companies entering into retail trade, appointment of Trade Commissioners in all states, better banking facilities to traders and dispension of Inspector Rule in the country.

Addressing the rally, trade leaders said it is not the traders alone, their employees and other sections dependent upon the traders too would form a conglomerate to press for demands of the traders.

National Executive President of CAIT B C Bhartia was the key speaker at the rally which was presided by noted industrialist and Chairman of Kamdhenu Group Satish Aggarwal.

Besides trade leaders, the rally was attended by leading environmentalist Vandana Shiva, CAIT national vice president B K Goel, and other leading citizens.

At the rally, the traders demanded the Centre to release a White Paper on the internal trade of India.

The traders while resenting over gross neglect of traders, especially in a period of post independence, pledged to launch a nationwide campaign to restore their dignity.

UNI AR JT BD1930