"On Monday, we presented budget and yesterday, traders raised their issues before us and today, we withdrew our decision," Arvind Kejriwal said. (File photo)
Following protests from several lawmakers, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today announced that his government has decided to roll back the proposed imposition of Value Added Tax on textile and low-cost shoes and urged the Centre to do the same on 1 per cent proposed hike on non-silver jewellery.
Mr Kejriwal said within 24 hours of tabling the budget, they reversed their decision to impose the VAT on textile and shoes priced below Rs 500.
Claiming that his government takes fast decisions, he accused the Centre of being "arrogant" and "stubborn" for not withdrawing the proposed excise duty on non-silver jewellery despite long protests by traders.
"On Monday, we presented budget and yesterday, traders raised their issues before us and today, we withdrew our decision," the chief minister said.
"We accepted our mistake after meeting a delegation of cloth traders. Our government is proactive which takes fast decision in view of people's welfare," Mr Kejriwal said in the Assembly.
Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had proposed rationalisation of tax on textiles and fabrics by applying uniform tax of 5 per cent on all varieties, including sarees, except khadi and handloom.
The Delhi Chief Minister also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to withdraw the proposed excise duty on non-silver jewellery.