Stop charging double property tax on rented commercial properties, demand Ahmedabad Shopkeepers

As the craze for online shopping grows and competition with online sellers becomes increasingly difficult, shopkeepers who are running businesses from rented premises are being burdened with double property tax. This has placed an unbearable financial strain on them, leading to strong demands that the government stop levying double property tax on rented commercial properties.

On one hand, online sellers offer goods at cheaper rates than shopkeepers, causing severe losses to traditional businesses. 

Small traders are finding it difficult to compete with alleged unfair practices of online retailers, and their businesses are collapsing as a result. To reduce costs, many shopkeepers are shifting to rented premises. However, in addition to paying rent, they are also required to pay tax which is levied at double the rate for rented commercial spaces. This has worsened their financial situation.

Ahmedabad Vyapari Mahasangh president Meghraj Dodwani stated that most shopkeepers take loans at interest to run their businesses, adding to their financial burden. He pointed out that those who rent these commercial places have to pay double property tax.

The Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry has also raised this issue with the state government, urging it to address the disparity and provide relief to traders.