Grain traders protest against 5 pc GST, shut shops

New Delhi: Wholesale commodity markets, including grains, pulses and sugar in the capital were closed today as a mark of protest against five per cent GST on branded grains and sugar.

A majority of wholesale grain, pulse and other commodity shops were shut in Naya Bazar, said Ashok Kumar Bansal, General Secretary, Grain Merchant Welfare Organisation. Bansal said the organisation has been demanding 0 per cent GST rate.

GST, which will subsume over a dozen taxes including excise, service tax, VAT and other local levies, is slated for a mid-night launch from July 1. Branded grains, rice, sugar and atta will be levied five per cent GST.