GST regime: Grain merchants shut shops as protest against 5% tax

Fearing significant rise in essential commodities, merchants demand lower tax

Grain merchants in the city pulled down shutters on Thursday as a mark of protest against the 5 per cent GST on branded grains.

Most wholesale grain and pulse shops remained closed in Naya Bazar, said Ashok Kumar Bansal, General Secretary, Grain Merchant Welfare Organisation.

Bansal said the organisation pitching for a lower rate will write a letter to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley seeking a relook at the matter.

The GST Council has fixed the tax rate on branded grains, including rice, grains, sugar and atta, at 5 per cent.

This will lead to a significant rise in essential commodities, Bansal added.