Cloth merchants in the city downed shutters and took out a rally on Monday in protest against the imposition of Value Added Tax (VAT) on textiles and related goods.
The one-day protest was organised in response to the call given by the AP Federation of Textile Associations. The order issued by the government on Friday night brings textiles and sugar under Schedule IV of VAT Act with effect from July 11. Cotton fabrics, textile made-ups, curtains, zari, embroidery articles and garments made of handloom, and khadi too will attract VAT at 4 per cent.
The rally, which began near the LIC building near the RTC complex, ended at the Collectorate passing through Super Bazaar and Jagadamba junction. The participants raised slogans denouncing the imposition of VAT and seeking its withdrawal.
Vizagapatam Cloth Merchants' Association president Kankatala Mallik, secretary Hamid Khan, CMR Group MD M.V. Ramana, Gopinath Reddy of SR Shopping Mall, Ram Kumar of Tummidi Bros, and Panduranga Rao of ANR Shopping Mall were among those who led the rally.
Almost all cloth merchants of the city downed their shutters and participated in the rally.
A few showrooms and malls like Chermas and Visakhapatnam Central were forced to close soon after they reportedly opened their stores in the morning.
