MUMBAI, January 3: The much threatened agitation of the Federation of Retail Traders' Association against the hike in registration rates by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation was today postponed till after the second week of March as the Federation's meeting with the officials was inconclusive due to the mode code of conduct.A meeting of the office bearers of the Association and the Minister for Labour Sabir Sheikh and BMC Commissioner, Girish Gokhale held today did not yield any result because of the code of conduct and the morcha planned for Monday has been cancelled. ``Despite the most positive attitude shown by the Minister, no decision could be possible, even if so desired,'' said a press note of the Federation.
However, the Municipal Commissioner has agreed to have a dialogue with the retail traders.
The retail traders have been complaining of an `unacceptable'' hike of 223 to 1100 per cent in registration fees and other assorted taxes like refuse tax.
Commissioner Girish Gokhale has
apparently assured that strict action will be taken against all officers found imposing arbitrary and heavy fines. All those traders who have been victims of such civic officials have been requested to approach the Federation, the press release notes.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
