GST awareness vans hit Delhi streets, traders welcome move

In an attempt to address the problems of small traders about Goods and Services Tax (GST), Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia flagged off six 'GST awareness mobile' vans at the Delhi Secretariat here on Monday.

"Small traders of Delhi are still confused about GST and need help from the government. Small traders working in various markets have many questions regarding GST. But there was no two-way communication with them," Sisodia said.

He added that in the last one month, many such traders had faced many problems with GST. "I want to help these traders and the target of these vans is to address the problems they face."

The awareness vans will have officials from the Trade and Taxes department who will talk to traders and address all issues raised by the traders regarding GST. The initiative will continue for 15 days and may be extended if needed.

Shedding more light on the initiative, Sisodia said the officials in the vans would also spread awareness of GST among the general public.

The traders can also give suggestions regarding the GST to the officers. "I will put those suggestions in the meeting of the GST Council," he said.

The Delhi Government is likely to review the facility with the department's officers after two days. Earlier, Sisodia said that the government would set up help desks in small markets to help the traders.

Making round in the markets of Janpath and Palika Bazar, the vans caught the attention of many traders, who came and asked questions.

Darshan Lal Kakkar, a senior member of Palika Bazar trader's association, told Millennium Post: "This initiative is very helpful for small traders. In the last one month, they have asked the association many questions regarding GST, but we did not have all the answers."

However, Kakkar agreed that 15 days is too less to answer all the traders' questions. "I think we need a permanent desk in the market where these officers will sit and clear the doubts for at least six months."

Traders of Janpath market also welcomed the initiative. On Monday afternoon, when a van reached the market, several traders queued in front of it to have their doubts clarified.