Protesting levy of 10 per cent excise duty on branded garments, several hosiery manufacturers and retailers on Saturday marched to the residence of the local MP and Union Coal Minister Mr Sriprakash Jaiswal seeking his help in meeting UPA chairperson Ms Sonia Gandhi in this regard.
During their meeting with Mr Jaiswal in Kanpur, the protestors including labourers apprised him of the problems due to the levy imposed in the General Budget 2011-12.
The garment industry said the duty would hurt the small businesses and demanded its withdrawal.
Talking to PTI, Mr Jaiswal said he would take up the matter with Finance Minister Mr Pranab Mukherjee.
On their demand of meeting Ms Gandhi, the Minister assured the traders that he would make efforts to seek time for them from the UPA chairperson.
President of Garment and Hosiery Manufacturers Joint Front Mr Balram Narula, who led the traders, said the agitation would continue till the Government rolls back the excise duty.
Meanwhile, the indefinite strike called by garment manufacturers in Delhi, Kolkatta and Ludhiana entered the second day today.
The Centre has imposed 10 per cent excise that would be levied on 45 per cent of the retail price on branded readymade garments.
“The strike and protest at Kolkata, Delhi, Kanpur and Ludhiana is still on,” said Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) President Mr Rahul Mehta.
CMAI an association of over 20,000 garment makers, retailers in India had claimed that approximately 50,000 units are on strike and will affect livelihood of 25 lakh workers engaged in the industry.
The association would be meeting revenue department officials next week.
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