Traders' hartal complete

By Our Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, JULY 18. The hartal organised by various organisations of the traders and merchants in the State was virtually complete today, with all shops and trading units, including medical stores, keeping their shutters down.

The hartal was in protest against the budget proposals hiking the sales tax rates and imposing turnover tax and stiffer penalty clauses for tax evasion.

In the capital city, the Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi took out a procession to the State Secretariat. The demonstration at the Secretariat gate was inaugurated by the State secretary of the organisation, Mr. Peringamala Ramachandran.

The Kerala State Vyapari Vyavasayi Samithi, an organisation with CPI(M) leanings, also took out a procession in the city. Its demonstration was inaugurated by Ms. P. K. Sreemathi, MLA.

In a statement, the Kerala State Cherukita Vyapari Vyavasayi Union, urged the Government to withdraw the Budget proposal imposing a registration fee on traders and merchants having an annual turnover of up to Rs. 2 lakhs.

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Section  : Southern States
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