In a strong show of support for India’s trading community, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, assured that the government is firmly committed to addressing the challenges faced by businesses and ensuring Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) across the country.
Union Minister Shri Arun Ram Meghwal
Speaking at the 44th Foundation Day celebrations of Bhartiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal (BUVM) in New Delhi, Meghwal pledged government backing for the trader community and promised action on key concerns. “I, along with Malhotra Ji, and MPs who are attending the event, will act as your advocates,” said Meghwal, signaling strong political will to address business-related issues.
Shri Harsh Malhtora Union Minister of State
The high-profile event was attended by key political figures including Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs and Road Transport & Highways, Harsh Malhotra, as well as MPs Vijay Baghel, Ramesh Awasthi, and Sadhana Singh, along with BUVM representatives from 28 states.
Recognition of Trade’s Role in Economic Growth
Addressing the gathering, Harsh Malhotra praised India’s trader community for playing a crucial role in making India the fourth-largest global economy. While he acknowledged that the new indirect tax regime (GST) is a marked improvement over the previous system, he noted:
“There is always scope for improvement. We will convey your issues to the officials in the finance ministry and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.”
BUVM’s Key Demands: GST, Mandi Tax Uniformity & E-Com Regulator
Bhartiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal, a pan-India traders’ organization established in 1981, reiterated its long-standing demands for a more favorable business ecosystem. BUVM has been actively working with policy makers and regulators to drive pro-business policy reforms.
BUVM President Shri Babu Lal Gupta said, “The government is focusing on ease of doing business. One of the major pain points has been the multiple GST tax slabs which create challenges especially for MSMEs and the trader community.” BUVM has urged for GST rationalization into three tiers – 0%, 5%, and 18% to simplify tax compliance and boost GDP.
He recommended that all food products, irrespective of packaging or weight, be placed under the zero tax slab, while products such as edible oil, bakery goods, LED lamps, solar heaters, hardware, and hotel rooms up to ₹1000/day be taxed at 5%. All remaining products, he suggested, should be under the 18% slab.
Gupta also highlighted the inconsistency in Mandi cess rates, which vary between 0% and 4% across states. BUVM has called for a uniform cess structure to create a level playing field and promote ‘One Nation, One Market’.
E-Commerce Regulator & Tax Simplification Urged
BUVM strongly advocated the appointment of a regulator for the fast-growing e-commerce sector, to ensure fair pricing practices and protection for MSMEs and traditional traders.
“Like the case with banks and insurance, a regulator should oversee e-commerce. No products should be sold below MRP. This will safeguard the interest of businesses and traders,” the organization stated.
In his speech, Satish Agarwal, National Senior Vice President & In-charge, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, urged the government to curb state-level freebie schemes, arguing that they place an unjust burden on taxpayers.
BUVM further called for reduced tax compliance burden, especially for small traders, suggesting the withdrawal of TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) and TCS (Tax Collected at Source) as part of broader tax reforms to make operations smoother for businesses.
BUVM’s Legacy and 44th Foundation Day
Celebrating over four decades of advocacy, BUVM has been at the forefront of voicing trader concerns and suggesting pragmatic policy reforms. The event also witnessed dignitaries recognizing exemplary performers through Bhamashah Samman, while a Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred posthumously on notable contributors to BUVM’s growth.
