Traders ask CM to extend GST deadline

The Federation’s state president AM Vikramaraja told reporters that their forum had discussed in detail with the CM and Information and Publicity Minister Kadambur Raju, on adverse effects on trade in case of implementation of GST. 

“The July 1 deadline for the rollout will not suffice and it needs to be extended. There are several traders, who could not get their mandatory licences and other paperwork required to be finished for integration and migration to the GST regime,” Vikaramaraja said. He urged the state government and political parties not to take up the issue of demolition of the buildings in case of violations.  

Asked why he was batting for the building violations, Vikramaraja maintained that they are rampant so much so that it accounts for almost 99 per cent of the buildings in the state. “Demolishing them would destroy the livelihoods of lakhs and lakhs of traders. Therefore, the state can come up with a comprehensive plan like Andhra Pradesh and regulate such buildings. Nominal regulation fee would generate more revenue for the government,” he said. 

Formation of a welfare board for traders was also highlighted among other demands. Film producer Kalaipuli S Thanu too made his representations before the government. He met three senior ministers and detailed them about the impact of the GST on the entertainment industry.