Congress MP Manickam Tagore moves adjournment motion in Lok Sabha

New Delhi: Congress MP Manickam Tagore urged the national government to reevaluate its decision to levy an 18% GST tax on store rentals in a motion of adjournment in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

The Union government’s decision to impose an 18% GST tax on store rents, which has had a significant negative effect on small companies and entrepreneurs, was denounced by Tagore in his notice.

“I hereby give notice of my intention to ask for leave to move a motion for the adjournment of the business of the house for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent importance,” he said.

“Speaker, Sir, I vehemently disagree with the Modi government’s decision to tax store rentals at 18% GST, which has had a negative effect on small enterprises and entrepreneurs. This regressive action would raise expenses for store owners, which will raise consumer prices and exacerbate inflation,” he said.
He cited a Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) poll that found 72% of store owners had seen a drop in sales as a result of rising expenses.

A poll conducted by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) found that 72% of store owners had seen a drop in sales as a result of rising expenses. With an 18% GST, shops would have to pay an extra Rs 4,500 per month on top of the average monthly rent of Rs 25,000 for a business in India, which will result in an 18% rise in operating expenses,” he said.

Tagore pleaded with the government to reevaluate this choice and look into other options.

“We urge the government to reconsider this decision and explore alternative measures to support small businesses and promote economic growth,” he said.

Since the start of the Winter Session, parliament has been at a standstill due to unrest in Manipur and Sambhal, as well as rallies by opposition parties over the Adani issue.

November 25 marked the start of Parliament’s winter session, which will last until December 20.