Odisha Traders Association withdraws VAT Agitation

In a major relief to the state government and common people, the Federation of All Odisha Traders’ Associations (FAOTA) has decided to withdraw its strike against the 5% additional VAT on essential commodities.

The decision was taken following a meeting between Finance Minister Pradip Amat and the representatives of FAOTA this evening.

The Finance Minister had urged the traders to call off their agitation till the assembly session is over. He has assured the FAOTA to discuss the matter after the end of the Budget session on May 26.

The FAOTA will hold their general body meeting tomorrow and announce the decision to call off the stir. It can be recalled that the traders had decided not to import essential commodities such as pulses, wheat, edible oil, sugar and rice from other states, protesting against the 5% VAT levied by the state government.