Shops closed in Tiruvannamalai over hike in taxes

According to All Traders Federation president Vikarama Raja, the local body, knowing that we had already approached Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on such hikes in local bodies, raised taxes without consulting the official trade bodies.

The officials held talks with only selected traders for whom the tax hikes were restricted. A statewide strike would be the next step if there was no proper response, Vikarama Raja added.

Tamil Nadu Hotels Association president M Venkadasubbu, who was also present, said the tax hike was totally arbitrary.

“A ‘10X10’ eatery is charged Rs 3,000 per month as garbage tax which becomes Rs 9,000 per month if the facility has an AC. Also, the local body says they will not collect garbage and that hoteliers have to dispose of them on their own. If we desist, the officials say they will not accept water and house taxes but order distraint proceedings immediately,” Venkadasubbu said.

Similarly, the municipality has raised drainage tax for the next years, which are to be paid in one instalment immediately, he added.