The Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangangalin Peramaippu has appealed to the Union government to either amend the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 or bring in a new Act in consultation with traders. A resolution to this effect was adopted at the State and district-level officer bearers’ meet of the peramaippu here on Tuesday.
A.M.Vikkiramaraja, State president of the peramaippu, said the State government should not implement the Act till the Centre takes a decision. Mr.Vikkiramaraja said the State and Central governments have not held discussion with traders with respect to Goods and Services Tax. The forum appealed the government to ensure that small and marginal farmers were not affected by the Act.
He said that 32nd State Traders’ Day conference would be held in Chennai on January 20 to discuss “anti-traders acts”. The forum alleged that officials, especially from health, commercial taxes and labour welfare departments, were harassing traders in the guise of implementing various laws. The State government should take action against officials who indulge in such excesses.