Mumbai’s textile traders have once again raised concerns over GST procedures, labour harassment and business-related hurdles, urging the Maharashtra government to step in with immediate reforms.
At a meeting held at the Bharat Merchants Chamber office in Kalbadevi, Borivali MLA Sanjay Upadhyay assured traders that their concerns would be taken directly to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He said the government would not leave cloth traders “helpless” and would work towards resolving issues affecting the textile business across Mumbai and Maharashtra.
Upadhyay said matters linked to GST, electricity subsidy, professional tax and alleged harassment by Mathadi workers would be taken up seriously so that the textile trade could grow without unnecessary obstacles.
Anger over Mathadi workers’ ‘high-handedness’
Several traders present at the meeting complained about what they described as the “high-handedness” and intimidation by Mathadi workers. They demanded strict action and said such practices were affecting normal business operations.
The delegation also urged the government to ensure that transport and labour systems function transparently, without pressure tactics or interference that disrupt trade activities.
The meeting was attended by Chamber president, vice-president, honorary minister, Nilesh Vaishya, treasurer, trustees, among others.
Key development :
- Traders raise GST and labour concerns
- MLA promises to approach CM Fadnavis
- Demand for electricity subsidy relief
- Mathadi workers’ harassment issue flagged
- Traders seek simpler GST procedures
- Fraud in textile deals highlighted
- Chamber seeks policy-making representation
GST process under scanner
Traders said they were not opposed to paying GST but wanted simplification in the filing process. According to them, excessive paperwork and repeated documentation demands force businessmen to spend more time visiting government offices than focusing on trade.
They also highlighted cases where buyers allegedly gain trust through advance payments, purchase goods on credit and later disappear after taking large consignments. Traders demanded stricter mechanisms to prevent such fraud.
Chamber seeks bigger role
The Chamber leadership said governments in several countries actively encourage traders and create business-friendly systems. It urged the Maharashtra government to adopt a similar approach and include industry bodies in policy-making discussions.
Chamber representatives also demanded greater representation in advisory committees so that decisions related to trade and taxation reflect ground realities faced by businessmen every day.
