Traders against more VAT on sunglasses

Members of Delhi Optical Association (DOA) have gone on an indefinite strike to protest the imposition of Value-Added tax (VAT) by the trade and tax department of the Delhi government.

Members of Delhi Optical Association (DOA) have gone on an indefinite strike to protest the imposition of Value-Added tax (VAT) by the trade and tax department of the Delhi government.

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"The officials are charging VAT at a very high rate of 12.5% on the sale of sunglasses. They should charge us 5% as they fall under the category of daily use and also for medical purpose under the stipulated VAT rules and regulations prescribed," said Sanjeev Madan, the DOA convenor.

He said over 20,000 dealers are engaged in this business and an increased VAT will affect sales severely.

"Officers of the enforcement department have been harassing association members by visiting their business premises and pressurising them to pay VAT at a higher rate," he added.