Friday, June 14, 2013: Viren Shah, the President of Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association was all perturbed by the inaction of the government along with all retail traders across the city. According to a statement issued, the government should fast resolve the LBT (Local Body Tax) issue or else they would be forced to stage agitations. Other important trading associations in Mumbai and Maharashtra have voiced similar statements and will join FRTWA if no action was taken.
The LBT system seeks to replace the former Octroi system and traders fear an increased tax burden apart from harassment from officials.
The new system is already put to function in some cities but Prithviraj Chavan, the chief minister of the state of Maharashtra had earlier said that the government is not taking any hurried steps in implementing it in the state. Traders are fiercely opposing any move.
Mohan Gurnani, the President of Federation of Association of Maharashtra said in a statement here on 12 June that the LBT system will soon be introduced in Mumbai and the chief secretary has refused from any form of subcommittee. This is in stark contrary to the chief minister’s statement earlier.
A previosu meeting with the Chief Minister on 24 May, 2013, traders were given an assurance that a separate committee would be formed to discuss the LBT issue in more detail and look into the problems that traders are having with the new system.
The future course of action would however be decided on 19 June as the FAM has called for an executive committee meeting.
