A protest march by Maharashtra traders. File photo
Lakhs of traders in Maharashtra are on strike today and tomorrow to protest against the new Local Body Tax in the state. Most markets are expected to stay shut.
The strike has the support of 750 traders' associations, who say the new tax will increase corruption and will be used by officials to harass traders.
Local Body Tax was introduced in some cities in the state from April 1 after abolishing octroi - a tax paid on goods entering a town or city.
The traders say Local Body Tax is unacceptable. The state government has offered to relax the tax for the smaller traders but says it cannot be done away with entirely as this will pinch the earnings of municipal corporations and councils.
The traders have threatened to start an indefinite agitation next month if their talks with the government fail.
Earlier this month, an indefinite shutdown by traders in Pune was called off after a week, but not before Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan met their representatives and persuaded them.