Odisha Govt in talk with traders to resolve strike

With the dealers of food items in Odisha launching their indefinite strike to press for their demand for waiver of five per cent VAT (value added tax) on pulses, wheat and wheat products, the state finance department today said, it is in talks with the food supply department to resolve the issue.

"The GST (goods and services tax) is set to be enforced. Easing tax norms now will impact the revenue and we will have to bear the loss. We are in discussion with the food supplies department and a decision will be taken for the good of the people and the state", said Pradeep Amat, state finance minister.The talks between the traders and state food supplies department officials on Monday remained inconclusive with the later requesting the former to postpone the stir by two months.

"The food supplies department secretary had verbally requested us to postpone the strike for two months. We had sought it in writing. We are hopeful for a solution after chief secretary returns from New Delhi on Wednesday", said Sudhakar Panda, secretary, Odisha Byabasayi Mahasangha.

With traders stopping import of food items, market intelligence officers have been asked by the food supplies and consumer welfare department to keep a close watch on the price and supply position of different essential commodities in the market and see that the price of the commodities is not jacked up due to shortage in the market.As declared earlier, the traders have stopped import of pulses, wheat and wheat products from today.

The traders' body has been demanding exemption of VAT on the commodities as is the case in majority of the states in the country. About twenty three states of the country have exempted VAT on the pulses, wheat and wheat products. Instead, the trade association has proposed the state government for introduction of one per cent entry tax.