Marble, granite dealers protest against GST

Members of the Tamil Nadu Marble and Granite Dealers Association staged a demonstration at Valluvarkottam on Saturday seeking a reduction in the rate of Goods and Services Tax (GST).

There are about 400 dealers in Chennai and most of the establishments, including in Maduravoyal, were closed on Saturday as a mark of protest.

The association’s president Suresh Goyal said business had already been hit by 30 % after demonetisation.

“We are now collecting 14.5% as value added tax from the customers,” he said.

He said the levy of GST at 28 % on marble and granite material would further affect the industry.

About 10 lakh people, including labourers and small scale units that provide marble polishing services, would be severely affected.

Members demanded that the State government intervene in the issue. “The tax rate must be fixed at 5% to help the customers,” Mr. Goyal added.