PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, May 16: Local traders began a stir from today by not lifting food grains against the state government’s decision of imposing the Mandi Tax.
The traders under the banner of Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) last evening announced that the traders of Kolhan would not order any consignment of food grains from Monday.
Notably, a delegation of Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industries led by president Vijay Anand Moonka had met Jharkhand governor Ramesh Bais in Ranchi in March and handed him a memorandum demanding exemption for all traders from paying Mandi Tax.
Moonka said various state governments had abolished Mandi Tax. Chhatisgarh government recently put an end to Mandi Tax, he said, adding that the time had come for the Jharkhand government to do away with the provisions of Mandi Tax with immediate effect.
A senior functionary of the trade outfit said Mandi tax collection had been stopped in Jharkhand earlier.
“But, once again the tax is being imposed on the traders which are proving suicidal. This is not justified as food-grains traders are already facing slumps due to online businesses. If the Mandi Tax is not abolished, our very existence would be threatened,” pointed out the trade body member.
Moonka said vehemently opposes the Mandi tax and will stop bringing in fresh consignments of food grains with the view to mount pressure on the state government.
Market sources said that if the traders remain adamant and continue their strike for long it would result in a food grain crisis in the steel city.
