There are just eight days remaining in the implementation of GST in India, but the oppose for it has still not stopped. Over 70,000 textile shops in more than 165 textile markets in Surat has reportedly been closed for five days from June 24 to 30.
Surat is supposed to be the largest man-made fabric (MMF) hub of the country, with a daily turnover of Rs 125 crore including the sales of saris, dress materials, lace pattis, embroidery and home furnishing fabrics. The Surat textile industry employs over three lakh people, who will be affected by this step. Apart from Surat, the traders from other states across the country including Delhi, Maharashtra, Punjab, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and many more would also keep their establishments closed.
The step has been finalized at the meeting of All India Textile Traders Association held under the aegis of Delhi Hindustani Mercantile Association in New Delhi, when the central government refused to accept the ‘No GST’ demand on textile fabrics on Friday. Textile associations from many major cities and states across the country had also participated in the meeting, along with Tarachand Kasat and Jay Lal, office bearers of the GST Sangarsh Samiti (GSS) from Surat.
The textile traders have decided to shut down the markets for three days of time period from June 27 to observe ‘black day‘ in the markets on June 30. They have also given an ultimatum to the central government to accept the GST demand till June 30 or else the market will stay closed for an indefinite time period.
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The textile markets of Surat will be closed for five days starting from today, while the other markets in the country will stay closed for 3 days starting from 27. GSS spokesperson Jay Lal said, “Traders from key trading centres across the country had participated in the meeting. Most of them were for shutting the markets for an indefinite period from June 24. However, a decision to shut the markets for five days was taken and that the bandh will be indefinite from July 1. It is going to be Goods and Suffering Tax (GST) for the textile traders. The traders will be so affected that they will have no other option but to shut their shops forever. It is better to combat the government than moving out of the business.”