The Jewelleries Traders’ Federation of Odisha (JTFO) will join from March 10 an indefinite strike by their national federation against imposition of one per cent excise duty on jewellery items.
Notably, while presenting the Union Budget 2016-17, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley proposed one per cent excise levy on ornaments manufacturers and retailers.
After announcement made to the excise duty levy on February 29, jewellers convened meetings in their respective regions and decided to hold strike initially for three days beginning March 2 which was later extended till March 7. Now, the same has been again extended indefinitely.
Khimji Jewellers director Mitesh Khimji said, “It is a unanimous decision by jewellery sector representatives across India to go on an indefinite strike and we stand by it. There should be a serious consideration about the negative impact of this tax on one crore artisans and craftsman working in this sector.”
The protest will continue till the Union Government shows a positive gesture, he maintained.