After a meeting with chief secretary Jayant Kumar Banthia on 13 May, the Federation of Associations of Maharashtra (FAM), which is leading the protests in Maharashtra, decided on a ‘jail bharo’ agitation on 16 May, and continue with its indefinite strike.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has refused the plea of the Maharashtra traders’ associations to stay imposition of local body tax (LBT) for every raw material used or imported into city limits by all businesses, traders and manufacturers.
The state government has also warned traders that it would be forced to take action against them if the ongoing agitation against the local body tax (LBT) does not end. In a meeting between the traders and the government officials, the government warned the traders it would invoke the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) against them if they continue the strike. The Banthia also informed that the traders can submit a list of demands, which the government will look into.
Traders expressed their reservations over paying LBT to the municipal corporations. They added that the state sales tax department should be authorised to collect the levy. Banthia asked the traders to submit in writing their objections to the LBT.
State officials said they are willing to negotiate and look at the possibility of Mumbai having a separate model as most traders in the city are importers. The government is even open to waiving the escort fee, if needed, for Mumbai.
