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The
proposed committee will comprise representatives of UPMTA
and two members, nominated by the Trade Tax Commission.
The committee is expected to file its report within the
next two months.
In
the VAT ordinance, the transporters have been defined as
dealers. Moreover, like traders, they were required to
provide records about the goods transported by their firm
and also seek registration under VAT.
Transporters
argued that except Tripura, West Bengal and Assam, in no
other state, transporters have been clubbed with dealers.
“We
are merely coolies, as we transport the goods of any party
who is willing to pay the tariff according to the
prevailing market rate. So, how can we be held responsible
if the consigner is involved in tax evasion?” asked
Subash Chaabra, vice-president of UPMTA.
Meanwhile,
the Uttar Pradesh Udyog Vyapar Mandal has given the call
for a statewide bandh on January 1, against the
implementation of VAT.
The
traders will stage dharna at all district headquarters.
In
Lucknow, they will take out a procession from Aminabad,
which will terminate in front of the Vidhan Sabha.
Principal
Secretary (Home) J N Chamber said, “The state government
has taken adequate security measures to maintain law and
order. Law will take its own course if anyone tried to
forcibly close shops and other commercial
establishments.”
Source
:
Lucknow
Newsline - Lucknow, India, dated 31/12/2007
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