Maharashtra - Trading community opposes hike in
octroi
The hike in octroi by Akola Municipal Corporation (AMC)
has led to protests by traders, businessmen and
industrialists. However, some traders are said to be
supporting the move.
The city's mayor, who is from the Congress, has strongly
supported the hike in octroi and contended that even
traders have accepted the hike. On the contrary, various
trade organizations have strongly opposed the increase
in octroi. Traders are demanding the complete abolition
of octroi and opposing the local cess now that the value
added tax (VAT) is in force.
Ashok
Dalmiya, president of Vidarbha Chamber of Commerce and
Industry, said that the hike in octroi is meaningless.
Prominent businessman Kasambhai has contended that there
is no alternative but to shut their shop. Moreover, he
alleged, contractor and office-bearers of AMC are
looting traders.
Iron and Steel Merchants Association, Akola Building
Materials Dealers Association, Akola Agro Industrial
Association, Akola Hardware and Paint Merchant
Association and other small associations too have
strongly protested the hike in octroi on general items.
The AMC had also hiked octroi on iron and other related
items by 1%.
Wholesale and Ready-made Retail Hosiery Association's
president Ramesh Kothari said the government had made it
categorically clear that no other tax be imposed after
VAT came into force. Octroi is an injustice to the
trading sector, he asserted.
Corporator Sunil Meshram said that the rate of octroi
should have been maintained as decided by the committee
set up for this.
Some traders and corporators have allegedly joined hands
to change octroi rates for vested interests, it is being
alleged.
