The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has decided to launch a national campaign against the complicated goods and services tax and alleged malpractice of e-commerce companies. The campaign, which will be kicked off on March 5, will be carried on for a month with a focus on the states. According to CAIT, several state governments have distorted the GST practice to suit their own interests.

In a statement the traders’ body said that “these issues are directly related to the eight crore traders of the country” and until “logical resolution of these two issues is achieved, this movement will continue”.

CAIT added that traders across the country have been hit by the provisions of GST and the constant arbitrariness of foreign companies in e-commerce. If the issues are nor resolved, many traders will be forced to shut their businesses.

Retailers across the country have been hit by the Coronavirus pandemic. Since elections will be held in five states in the next few months, this issue could become a critical one, CAIT warned. “The trading community holds a huge majority in strength and numbers and can be a deciding factor for the victory and defeat of any political party,” the association said.