Traders demand rollback of toll hike

The hike in the toll collection at Nethaji Market has cast a burden on farmers. Traders have demanded its rollback.

To show their opposition to the hike, the Vellore Anaithu Vannigargal Sangam has decided to down the shutters of shops, take out a rally and stage a demonstration on April 29.

At least 1,500 shops in Vellore, particularly on Long Bazaar, will remain closed on April 29. This will include grocery stores, vegetable shops and textile showrooms, said R.B. Gnanavelu, president of Vellore Anaithu Vannigargal Sangam.

This was decided during the consultation meeting of traders and farmers on Saturday. “The hike has largely affected farmers and public. While the market has been auctioned for nearly Rs. 1 crore from the previous Rs. 55 lakh, the toll amount/gate tax has been increased manifold,” he added.

For instance, the fee for one gunny bag carried on head load was increased from Rs. 3 to Rs. 10, while a basket or bag of flowers has been hiked from Rs. 3 to Rs. 7. Temporary shopkeepers have to pay Rs. 20 now, from the earlier fee of Rs. 6 per day, he added. The rent for shops has also been hiked from Rs. 10 to Rs. 75, he mentioned.

“The bidding amount has doubled. Similarly, the toll should have been doubled but in this case, it has increased at least by 10-fold. This has indirectly led to hike in price of commodities for the public,” he said.

Similarly, the association is protesting lack of assurance of alternative space from the local body for re-locating shopkeepers from Nethaji Market for reconstructing the structure.