GST roll-out: Traders greet tax with nationwide protests, strike on Friday

Bharatiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal said it would observe a daylong Bharat Bandh on Friday

Even as the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre rolls out the goods and services tax (GST) on Friday midnight, it will be greeted by protests and strikes across the country.

The Bharatiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal, which claims to represent 17,000 traders’ associations and small and medium enterprises, said it would observe a daylong Bharat Bandh (countrywide strike) on Friday, demanding changes in the GST regime.

Over the past week, its affiliate associations, especially in the textile sector, have been protesting against some provisions in the GST. Traders, small and medium entrepreneurs, and farmers have planned a series