Arhtiyas protest against 5% GST on foodgrain

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Mandi Ahmedgarh, July 16

Commission agents, traders and labour unions of the region protested against the Union Government’s decision to levy 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on rice, wheat, pulses and other foodgrains.

Keeping shutters of their establishments down in response to a call given by the state body of Arhtiya Association, Punjab, led by Ravinder Singh Cheema, protesters organised meetings and rallies at Payal, Malaudh, Raikot, Dehlon, Pakhowal, Jodhan, Kup and Amargarh in this region falling under Ludhiana and Malerkotla districts.

The protesters alleged that the Union Government was bent upon breaking the backbone of the economy of the border state.

The commission agents argued that they had decided to oppose the imposition of GST in the interest of common people. “We have decided to oppose the decision as it will directly affect the kitchen of a common man,” said Surinder Kuradchhapa, a leader of commission agents.

Manoj Shahi, a commission agent of Dehlon, said: “Even a layman can understand that commission agents are only concerned with ‘daami’ ( commission ) paid by the procurement agencies and levying of any direct or indirect tax would be a burden on the ultimate consumer.”

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