Protesting against the hike in Value Added Tax (VAT) by one per cent from 13.5 to 14.5 per cent by the State Government, traders under the banner of Doon Udyog Vyapar Mandal staged a demonstration at the district magistrate office on Monday demanding its immediate withdrawal.
The traders also submitted a memorandum addressing to Chief Minister through an administrative officer.
Scores of traders led by the president of the agitating outfit Vipin Nagliya assembled at DM office and demonstrated. DUVM member Umesh Aggarwal said the hike in VAT would hit them hard.
“It is impractical and it should be withdrawn immediately to facilitate trade and to spare the buyers from shelling out more on every item they purchase,” he added.