Nagpur: A meeting of all Maharashtra Executive Council Members of Chamber of Associations of Maharahtra Industry & Trade (CAMIT) was held at Navi Mumbai Merchants Gymkhana, Sector 14, Vashi, Navi Mumbai recently. The meeting was attended by office-bearers of various Associations across Maharashtra and Trade and Industry including Bombay Metal Exchange Limited, All India Electronic Association, COSIA, TISSA, Solapur Pata Re-Rollers Associations, Navi Mumbai Vyapari Maharashtra, BIMA,SUFI,DISMA, Steel Chamber of India, Navi Mumbai Dry Fruit Association, Vyapari Ekta Association Sangli, SVK Association, Cama, Maharashtra Wine Merchants Association, Sangli Chamber of Commerce, Nashik Dhaan Kirana Sanghatan, Nashik, Sholapur Chamber of Commerce, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Vasai-Virar, Dombivali, Kolhapur, Akola, Amravati, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune, Aurangabad, Latur and others.
The meeting was chaired and co-chaired by CAMIT Chairman Mohan Gurnani and Dipen Agrawal President CAMIT. Various important issues such as effects of demonetization, GST, LBT Assessment Issues, problems faced by liquor shops, issues related to Bombay Port Trust, problems faced by Steel Complex at Kalamboli, challenges faced by small retailers due to e-marketing were discussed in the meeting.
Demonetization:
Sandip Parikh from Thane raised the subject of demonetization. After threadbare discussion on the subject it was concluded that the economy has slowed down considerably due to demonetization. It was decided that a representation be made to the Government giving suggestions in order to bring the economy back to the track. It is imperative that the demand has to be pushed up, liquidity to improve in the system in order that the GDP growth of 7.5% is maintained.
GST:
This is big radical reform for Indirect Taxes and likely to come from April till September 2017. The trade needs to be ready to face the challenges due to new indirect tax structure. CAMIT is in conjunction with VAT Department and service providers like TALLY which propose to hold seminars across Maharashtra in order to create awareness and to make trade “GST READY”.
LBT Assessment:
Sameer Shah from Sangli said LBT Assessment in places like Sangli has been a big contentious issue and small traders are affected very badly. Representations were made to authorities concerned but the ground reality has not changed. CAMIT proposes to have a final meeting with Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis who is saviour of trade community and to appeal to address the issue on urgent basis.
Bombay Port Trust (BPT):
BPT has taken up development of Port Trust Areas into a Modern Marina. CAMIT proposes to constructively have dialogue with BPT and transport ministry so that the damage to the Tenants and Sub-Tenants on this lease hold land of BPT is minimum.
Kalamboli:
Kalamboli is the largest Steel Hub in India. But it is unfortunate that CIDCO has not provided any infrastructure such as Roads, Electricity, Water and Sanitation. CAMIT proposes to take up this issue very seriously with the concerned Authority.
Liquor trade:
The Supreme Court order on ban on liquor shops on National and State Highways needs to be looked into with a proper perspective, as well as problems faced by liquor shops needs to be addressed.
Retail:
Most of e-commerce companies have started selling products under cost. This has made almost 20 lakh Retailers redundant in Maharashtra. The government needs to give a level playing field to all concerned.
After detail discussion on above subjects, the dignitaries unveiled the calendar of CAMIT for the year 2017.
Dipen Agrawal, in his address, assured the members that all issues raised will be brought to its logical end in favour of the traders at the earliest. He appealed to the members to take a vow to make CAMIT a stronger and effective platform so that the voice of trade can be taken up effectively to the Government.
Nikunj Turakhia, Secretary CAMIT, conducted the proceedings of the meeting and Mitesh Prajapati, Jt-Secretary CAMIT proposed the vote of thanks.
