Varanasi: Weavers shut down handlooms, powerlooms to protest against GST

The textile traders in Varanasi shut down handlooms and powerlooms in protest against inclusion of weavers in Goods and Service Tax (GST).

The agitation has been going on for three days.

Earlier this month, traders in Uttar Pradesh staged protests against the implementation of the GST, closing down markets, and, in Kanpur, stopping a train.

While some major wholesale markets in Allahabad, Kanpur and Varanasi remained totally closed, many organisations seemed to be divided on the issue.

Meanwhile, Minister of State with Independent Charge for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy and Mines Piyush Goyal said that a lot of people have wrong interpretations about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's idea of 'One Nation, One Tax,' and hence, the Goods and Serve Tax (GST) has created a lot of chaos among the business community.

Talking to the media on Thursday, he said that the tension is understandable when a huge change like the GST takes place in a country. He said that GST will help the work of making the economy strong, successful and honest.

"As the GST has been implemented, I think people should start registering and working, so that we can come to know at what places. The bill needs more improvement," he said.