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Traders and shopkeepers in Tirupur staged a district-wide strike against hikes in property tax, 18% GST on commercial properties, and increased electricity tariffs. Around one lakh shops, including textile, grocery, and jewellery stores, closed for the day, supported by 2,000 knitwear firms, resulting in INR 100 crore in business losses and INR 25 crore in lost tax revenue. Protests spanned key areas, with black flags displayed and political parties like AIADMK, BJP, and Left groups showing solidarity. The strike underscores traders' frustrations over rising costs and highlights the economic impact on businesses and government revenue, pressuring policymakers to reconsider.
Traders and shopkeepers across Tirupur recently took part in a strike, voicing their opposition to recent hikes in property tax, the 18% GST on commercial properties, and increases in electricity tariffs. In response to these rises, various businesses, including grocery stores, restaurants, bakeries, textile shops, jewellery outlets, cellphone stores, and electrical shops, closed their doors for the day. The strike also saw around 300 shops in the Tirupur cotton market complex and the vegetable market remaining shut, underlining the widespread participation.
Protests took place in several key areas, such as Tirupur city, Avinashi, Perumanallur, Dharapuram, Palladam, and Uthukuli. The demonstrators, led by local traders, called on both the Union and state governments to reverse the recent hikes in property tax, GST on commercial properties, and the increase in electricity charges. As a visible sign of their protest, black flags were hoisted in front of shops across the district. Traders emphasized that this action was taken to clearly communicate their concerns to both the central and state governments, reflecting the seriousness of their grievances.
The strike garnered significant support from various organizations. The Tirupur Exporters and Manufacturers Association played a key role, along with other local business groups, in mobilizing participants. Additionally, political parties, including AIADMK, BJP, and Left parties, also extended their backing for the protest, showing solidarity with the traders' cause. The broad base of support highlights the extent to which these issues are being felt across different sectors and political groups.
K C M Duraisamy, president of both the All Traders Association and Small Business Traders Association, stated that around one lakh shops across the district remained closed from 6 AM to 6 PM on the day of the strike. He also mentioned that approximately 2,000 knitwear firms joined the protest, resulting in an estimated loss of INR 100 crore in business revenue. The strike's ripple effect was felt beyond the businesses themselves, with the government also losing INR 25 crore in tax revenue due to the shutdown of so many establishments. This financial impact underscores the severity of the situation and the traders' determination to voice their opposition.
The protest not only highlights the traders' concerns over rising operational costs but also serves as a reminder of the significant role that local businesses play in the economic fabric of the region. The widespread closures and the massive financial losses incurred during the strike indicate the deep frustration felt by the business community. With the strike disrupting daily commerce and impacting government revenue, the demands for policy reversals have gained urgency.
The strike in Tirupur has significantly impacted the region, highlighting the frustration of local traders with the recent hikes in property tax, GST, and electricity tariffs. The widespread participation, alongside the backing of local organizations and political groups, has emphasized the seriousness of the traders' concerns. The financial losses, amounting to INR 100 crore in business and INR 25 crore in lost tax revenue, underline the economic consequences of these policy changes. With the government facing growing pressure, the outcome of this protest could influence future decisions regarding tax and tariff hikes in the region.
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