CAIT calls for a Bharat Bandh tomorrow

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has called for 'Bharat Vyapar (trade) Bandh' on Friday over "glitches" in e-commerce and recent "draconian, arbitrary and critical" amendments in GST rules.

The traders' body said more than 8 crore traders belonging to over 40,000 trade associations across the country are expected to observe Bharat Vyapar Bandh on Friday.

The protest is aimed at forcing the government to rectify glitches in e-commerce for preventing the violation of law by foreign e-commerce companies.

The All India Transport Welfare Association (AITWA), an apex body representing 1 crore transporters, has



already supported the bandh. The organisation also announced a "chakka jam" by the transport sector across the nation on Friday.

CAIT secretary-general Praveen Khandelwal said not only traders, but even small industries, hawkers, women entrepreneurs will also join the shutdown.

Praveen Khandelwal further said dharna (sit-in protest) will be held in more than 1500 cities across all the states. No trader will log in to the GST portal in their protest, he said.

The associations of chartered accountants and tax advocates have also supported the bandh. They have even asked their clients not to visit their offices on Friday.