India:Surat textile traders protest twofold octroi

The textile industry of Surat has given a call for removal of double octroi duty by the Municipal Corporation.

At a joint meeting of the trade committee of The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Federation of Surat Textile Traders Association, decision was taken to urge the Corporation to revoke double octori duty.

The federation spokesperson Devkishan Manghani informed that the textile traders are paying double octroi on textiles that are brought in the city, since a long period.

A substantial quantity of the textiles is sent outside the city for value addition work like bandhni, mirror-work, hand-dyeing, embroidery etc.

The traders are paying twice on the same goods; once when the goods are sent to other cities of the state, and secondly when the good brought back in the city after value additions. This results in higher manufacturing cost, which hard hits the textile industry, he said.

A chamber official also pointed out at the treatment meted out by the octroi officials. Under the pretext of mere check out, the octroi officials cross the threshold of any firm or premises, causing unnecessary harassment.

The chamber, diamond association, textile associations, and others decided to seek the Prime Minister''s (PM) intervention to mediate in the matter, official added.