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The Rajasthan government has, for now, withdrawn the new traders’ licence introduced by the two Jaipur municipal corporations following protests by the traders’ association that had called for a market shutdown in the city on September 11.
“We have stopped the new trade licence from being implemented for the moment. Nagar Nigam Heritage and Nagar Nigam Greater have been asked to suspend any proceedings.”
Now, the shutdown is canceled.
Jaipur Nagar Nigams, Greater and Heritage, had issued a government order regarding the new trade licence which mentioned additional taxes to be paid by all the traders — from street vendors to shopkeepers — triggering a protest by the traders’ association. Nagar Nigam Greater issued the order on January 7, 2021 and Nagar Nigam Heritage, on June 3, 2021. There are many tax brackets that apply to different types of business owners.
Jaipur Vyapar Mandal president Subhash Goyal said: “How could the business owners bear the burden of additional taxes after their businesses have been severely affected by the Covid pandemic?”
Talking about the time when the licence was initially issued, Goyal said, “We had been to the Mayor three times and she reassured us that it won’t be imposed. Then, we recently received a notice that said ‘either get the new licence or the businesses would have to shut down’. That is when we started protesting and decided to shut all businesses on September 11.”
On September 10, Director of Self Government Department Deepak Nandi issued an order stating: “Many trade associations have submitted reports against the new trade licence. Keeping these complaints and Covid-19 in mind, it has been decided that the licence should be postponed and implemented sometime in the future.”
This statement requests that the Nagar Nigams submit detailed records and reports regarding their respective activities.
Goyal added that the traders’ association has cancelled its September 11 protest.
Nagar Nigam Greater Mayor Sheel Dhabhai said, “The new licence stands withdrawn for the moment because of the protests. The government will have a meeting with the businessmen and the members of the traders’ association and decide on a further course of action.”
Owners of small businesses in the area are facing serious financial problems due to the increased taxes.
Om Prakash Saini, a florist, who said he would have to pay Rs 12,000 a year if the new licence was implemented said, “They want to charge small businesses with these taxes, we already earn minimal, why doesn’t the government charge these taxes from big businesses? Covid has already reduced sales by nearly 50% and rent is required for the stall. This is very unfair.”
Gautam, an owner of an ice-cream shop, stated the same. He would be paid Rs.50,000 per year if the new licensing comes into force. “This is a seasonal business. GST, food licence fees and fees under the Shop Act are required. Then they propose to levy a trade charge. How many taxes would we pay?”
