Alleging harassment and flouting of norms by MCD and government officials, city traders today staged sit-in protests demanding immediate action and relief from the government.
Representatives of more than 100 traders associations gathered at Karol Bagh under the banner of Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) to launch a city-wide agitation.
"Government officials were continuously flouting established norms and not leaving any stone unturned in harassing the traders, despite the fact that Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit had given explicit directions to provide relief to traders," said Ram Lal, General Secretary of Karol Bagh Traders Federation.
He also said the Mayor of North Delhi Municipal Corporation had publicly declared a month ago that there would be no application of parking and conversion charges in special areas but officials are not following the directions.
CAIT Delhi President Narender Madan said a delegation met Delhi VAT Commissioner Prasant Goyal and informed him about "harassment" of traders by the officials.
"The department is seriously considering the demand of CAIT to withdraw Form T-2. It will ensure traders are not unnecessarily harassed by the enforcement wing," said Goyal.
The process of refund will be streamlined and the department will launch a special drive to provide speedy refunds to traders, he added.
"On July 30, traders will organise protests in 50 markets in Delhi and a strategy of the agitation will be formulated on 'Quit India Day'," said CAIT General Secretary Vijay Pal.
