Tamil Nadu govt urged to pass resolution in assembly to protect fireworks industry

MADURAI: Fireworks traders have urged the Tamil Nadu government and political parties to pass a special resolution in the assembly to protect the fireworks industry in the state.
A resolution in this regard was passed at the second state level conference of the Federation of Tamil Nadu Fireworks Traders (FTFT) in Madurai on Sunday.
Federation president V Raja Chandrasekaran said the government should press for exemption of fireworks under 3(3B) of the Environmental (Protection) Rules, 1986, as pollution caused by fireworks lasts less than 48 hours. The federation also urged the government and police to take stringent action against illegal sale of ‘pop pop’ fireworks and Chinese fancy fireworks.
Recalling a ban on import of such fireworks, the federation alleged that these items were available in fancy stores and gift shops. They were being sold by some shops by flouting norms and without licence, it said.
The federation pressed for reduction in the goods and services tax (GST) on fireworks, from the existing slab of 18% (the second highest slab) to 5% (the lowest slab).