Odisha Traders begin Strike, stop importing Pulses and Wheat

The Federation of All Odisha Traders’ Association (FAOTA) has begun an indefinite strike and stopped importing pulses and wheat from other states after their demand for waiver of 5% VAT was not accepted by the Odisha Government.

As 90% of pulses (dal) and wheat products come from outside Odisha, people may face a lot of hardship in the coming days. The traders revealed that they have enough stocks to manage things for the next 5-7 days. But, if the government does not take quick action, things may go beyond control after that.

Meanwhile, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Sanjay Dasburma has kept the doors open for talks. He asked the traders to come to the negotiating table to resolve the issues instead of resorting to agitation and strike. He also appealed the traders to withdraw their strike in the interest of common people.