VADODARA: Small
traders and shopkeepers in the city will observe a
bandh on Friday to
protest against the entry of multi-national retailers in the country. The Vadodara Vepar Vikas Association (VVVA) has declared the bandh with the support of several other bodies like Madhya Gujarat Vepari Mahamandal, APMC Market, the Chemist and Druggist Association, FMCG Distributors Association, Sweet Shops Association and Vadodara Mill Gins and Merchants Association.
VVVA convenor Paresh Parikh said that they will also take out a scooter rally to register protest on Friday. The traders want the government to cancel deals with MNC retailers, come up with new policy for e-commerce, introduce one return for GST and a special policy for small traders.
Chemists in the city will also go on a strike to protest against e-pharmacies and other demands. The Chemists and Druggists Association Baroda has decided to support its state and national-level parent bodies in the strike call and will down shutters on Friday.
The chemists will hold a rally from Sanstha Vasahat where a bulk of the wholesalers are located and will culminate at the district collectorate. Fourteen pharmacies associated to large hospitals will remain open to cater to emergencies.tnn
