Ficci Chief Calls For Amicable Settlement

Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry president A S Kasliwal yesterday urged the government to look into the grievances of the transporters, who plan to go on an indefinite strike from April 1.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Ficci chief said: We realise the likely difficulties which will be faced by the transporters.

The transporters have called the strike in protest against the proposal to levy a 5 per cent service tax on them.

Kasliwal appealed to the transporters not to resort to strike. At this juncture, when the finance bill is yet to be passed, enough time is available to follow the path of amicable settlement, he said.

Kasliwal added Ficci was not against widening of the tax base and bringing the services sector within the tax net.

However, he said the specific problems of the different service segments should be taken into cognisance to address the problems likely to be faced by them.