The Hindu Business Line : Kerala CM to meet striking traders today

THE Chief Minister, Mr Oommen Chandy, is meeting trade representatives here today to find a way out of the three-day, State-wide strike, which has been enforced by traders to protest against the introduction of value-added tax (VAT).

Mr Chandy will discuss the matter with the Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithy (KVVES) on Friday, even as talks held on Thursday with a rival union of traders ended in a deadlock.

According to the union leaders, the Chief Minister was unflinching from his stance that the VAT system would be introduced from Friday.

This was not acceptable and the union would carry forward its strong protests against the decision during the days to come, leaders said.

The Chief Minister had said on Wednesday that he was looking forward to get a low-down on the number of States actually managing to effect the transition to the VAT regime. If this number were to top 17, the State would not have any go but to comply.

However, the latest information reaching him had indicated that as many as 21 might go for VAT from today.

Addressing reporters after a Cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister said he would try to address the concerns of the trading community when he meets KVVES representatives on Friday.

Solidarity from Pondy Meanwhile, the Pondicherry State Vyapari-Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithy (PSVVS) has extended its solidarity to the agitation by traders in Kerala.

Speaking to reporters here, Mr K. K. Anil Kumar, Chairman, PSVVS, said his organisation would observe a trade bandh in Pondicherry-administered Mahe (near Thalasseri) on Friday.

The Government of Pondicherry had not indicated anything about embracing the VAT regime even in its Budget document.

It seems to have wisely opted to maintain status quo in view of the likely difficulties brought about by VAT. Being a consumer State, Kerala too should have given adequate thought before opting for VAT, if only to safeguard the interests of the parties involved — the State Government and the public, he said.

Strike enters second day

Shops and commercial establishments, including hotels, remained closed for the second day as part of the nationwide campaign against the implementation of VAT.

Medical shops were the sole exception. Outlets of the public sector Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation functioned normally and witnessed brisk business in essential items through the course of the day. Striking traders also took out processions in some parts of the State.

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