Rajasthan bandh against GST provisions on Friday

Federation of Rajasthan Trade and Industry (FORTI) has given a call for a state-wide bandh on Friday to protest against some provisions of the goods and services

Federation of Rajasthan Trade and Industry (FORTI) has given a call for a state-wide bandh on Friday to protest against some provisions of the goods and services tax (GST) that comes into force from July 1.

Women walk past textile shops that were closed in protest against some provisions of the Goods and Services Tax at Beawar on Thursday. (PTI)

The long-awaited GST – India’s most ambitious reform in decades – aims to unify the economy into a single market.

Some trade unions, however, say the GST’s implementation would affect small-time traders and those in the unorganised sector. They are demanding that rules of the GST should be simplified and transparent so that small traders do not find it difficult to follow them.

FORTI general secretary Vijay Garg said business of more than ₹10,000 crore will be affected in the state due to the bandh.

President of the trade union Suresh Agarwal said directions have been given to all chapters of the association to coordinate with local business groups and make the bandh a success.

FORTI senior vice-president Arun Agarwal said more than 70 teams have been formed in Jaipur and conveners have been appointed in all districts to make the bandh a success.

Rajasthan Khadya Padarth Sangh chairman Babu Lal Gupta said a detailed memorandum has been sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Hospital, medical stores, water, bus and rail services, and other essential services were exempted from the bandh, a FORTI official said.