Bharat Bandh will be observed by Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) on February 26. The protest will mark the rising price of fuel, new e-way bill and Goods and Services Tax (GST).
Reportedly, 40,000 trade unions will also extend their support to the Bharat Bandh by CAIT.
Organized body of the transportation companies, the All India Transport Welfare Association (AITWA). They will also extend their support to the Bharat Bandh. Chakka Jam will also be observed by them.
CAIT and AITWA wishes seek scrapping of the new e-way bill by the government. The e-way rules are for inter-state movement of goods. It has been introduced since April 1, 2018.
Another reason for the protest and Bharat Bandh is rising price of fuel. They want uniform price of fuel across India.
Mahendra Arya, the AITWA national president said, "all state level-transport associations have confirmed their support to AITWA in this one-day non-operation of transport in protest of the fuel price hike and scrapping of new E-way bill laws introduced by Government of India. The nature of the movement is to reject booking and movement of all E-Way Bill oriented goods for one day. All transport companies are asked to park their vehicles between 6 am to 8 pm as a symbolic protest. All transport godowns will display the protest banners. All customers will be approached by transport companies not to book or load any goods on February 26, 2021."
The protesters also seek simplification of tax slabs and review of GST system because they term it complicated.
CAIT statement read, "We highly regret such a dismal attitude and picture of the GST which has compelled the trade union leaders attending the conference to call for a Bharat Trade Bandh.”
All India Motor Transport Congress and Bhaichara All India Truck Operator Welfare Association will not participate in the Bharat Bandh on Feb 26.