Traders Protest Over Hike in Property Tax and Electricity Tariff in TN

20 Dec 2024 CW Team

Traders and shopkeepers across the district went on strike to protest the increase in property tax, the 18 per cent GST on commercial properties, and the rise in electricity tariffs.

As part of the strike, grocery stores, restaurants, bakeries, textile shops, jewellery stores, cellphone shops, and electrical shops were closed. Approximately 300 shops in the Tirupur cotton market complex and vegetable market also shut down.

Protests took place in various areas, including Tirupur city, Avinashi, Perumanallur, Dharapuram, Palladam, and Uthukuli, where demonstrators called on both the Union and state governments to reverse the hike in property tax, the 18 per cent GST on commercial properties, and the increase in electricity tariffs.

Black flags were displayed in front of shops as part of the protest. Traders stated that the protest was organised to express their opposition to the central and state governments.

The Tirupur Exporters and Manufacturers Association, along with various other organizations and political parties, including the AIADMK, BJP, and Left parties, showed their support for the strike.

K C M Duraisamy, president of the All Traders Association and Small Business Traders Association, mentioned that around one lakh shops were closed across the district from 6 am to 6 pm. He added that about 2,000 knitwear firms also participated in the strike, resulting in a business loss of Rs 1 billion. The protest also caused a tax revenue loss of Rs 250 million for the government.

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