Textile Traders Protest ‘Double Standards’ of Surat Municipal Corporation

Surat, Gujarat : The textile traders in Surat have raised strong objections against the perceived ‘double standards’ of the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC). The traders are upset that while the Surat Textile Market (STM) continues to operate without facing any sealing activity despite owing Rs 81 crore in lease money to the SMC, about 623 shops in five different textile markets on Ring Road have been sealed for non-payment of property tax and interest over the last fortnight.

The traders from these affected markets have rallied together and met with the office-bearers of the Federation of Surat Textile Traders’ Association (FOSTTA) to voice their concerns. They pointed out that the textile trade in Surat is already struggling in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, with many traders facing significant financial losses.

The sealing of 623 shops, each with property tax arrears of around Rs 20,000, has further exacerbated the difficulties for these traders. In stark contrast, the STM, despite having received about 13 notices from the SMC regarding their outstanding lease amount, remains fully operational. This discrepancy has led to accusations of favoritism and inconsistency in the SMC’s enforcement of regulations.

Rasik Patel and Kalpesh Govind, representatives of the affected traders, expressed their frustration over the issue. They highlighted that the STM traders have been allowed to continue their business activities despite their significant debt to the municipality. Patel emphasized, “The textile shops at STM are allowed to operate even though the market management is yet to deposit the Rs 81 crore pending lease amount. The SMC has issued multiple notices, but no action has been taken against them. On the other hand, small shopkeepers with relatively minor dues are subjected to immediate sealing.”

The traders further criticized the SMC’s leniency towards STM. “Despite the outstanding amount of tax and lease amount of Rs 81 crore, instead of canceling the lease and proceeding with sealing, the shopkeepers have only been warned to pay Rs 1.50 lakh per year, or Rs 12,050 per month. The municipality has provided the facility to market traders to pay in installments. However, when small shopkeepers from other markets request similar considerations, municipal officials do not listen,” said Patel.