Gujarat Traders Federation asks Modi to ease GST rules

The Gujarat Traders Federation on Saturday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene for easing the rules and structure of the upcoming Goods and Services Tax (GST).

The federation reached out to Prime Minister Modi through a letter which pointed out various hindrances towards ease of doing business that will occur once the GST is implemented.

In the letter, they said what they learnt from the structure of the GST rules adopted by GST Council which are being published now and in public domain, "it seems that it defeats and violates the very concept of Ease of Doing Business".

"We on behalf of honest small traders, small medium enterprises (SME) of India request you to kindly intervene into the matter and use your kind office to make the provisions and rules vide GST more simple and implementable."

According to the traders body, GST should enable "ease of doing business", "smooth movement of material across India" and "one India, one market, one tax".

"Instead of promised removal of check posts at state borders, government is starting mobile check post at every corner in the city, state and country.

"This is directly giving powers to inspectors and harassment and increasing tax terrorism," they wrote.

The federation mentioned the common practice of loaning goods for a short period of time which are replaced shortly will no longer be hassle-free under the GST.

"Although it is not sale, it is supply. Creating e-way bills for such transactions will result in cross verification issues," the letter added.

"Many shops have their warehouses situated away from their selling premises. Movement of goods from warehouse to shop will also require e-waybill. It will be absurd to do so."

--IANS

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