Bhartiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal (BUVM), which will celebrate its 44th Foundation Day on August 3, today held a press conference in New Delhi and demanded sweeping changes ranging from taxation to appointment of regulator, sample collection undertaken by FSSAI among others.
Addressing the press conference, Babu Lal Gupta, President, BUVM said: “The government is focusing on ease of doing business. One of the major pain points has been the multiple GST tax slabs which creates challenges especially for MSMEs and trader community alike. The issue needs to be resolved and we have written to various government authorities suggesting rationalisation of GST rates into three slabs – 0%, 5% and 18%. We believe if accepted, this will pave the way for higher GDP growth.”
He further added that all food products, irrespective of their weight and packaging must be zero tax slab. Cleaning, grading and sorting machines for foodgrain, pulses and oilseeds, LED lamp, submersible water pump, hardware, stainless steel, toys of up to Rs 1000, edible oil, bakery products, solar water heater, ghee, pickle, handicrafts and hotel rooms upto Rs 1000/day should be kept in 5% slab. Rest all the products should fall under 18% slab.
Similarly, there is a wide variation in Mandi cess across States which typically ranges between 0-4%. This needs to be uniformed.
Mukund Mishra, National Senior General Secretary, BUVM said: “A uniform Krishi Mandi Cess across all States at 50 paise for every Rs 100 should be imposed. This will ensure all farmers and traders compete fairly, regardless of location. It also aligns with One Nation, One Market and will help boost the coffers of the State Governments.”
Highlighting the problems faced by food businesses with regards to current FSSAI mandates sample collection for testing to be done at least once every six months, Shri Prem Arora, President, BUVM Delhi said: “This is a very costly exercise in maintaining compliance, causes financial burdens on small businesses, and potential legal repercussions for non-compliance. We demand that this be done once a year.”
Recognising the rapid yet unregulated growth in e-commerce platforms, the BUVM demanded the establishment of a regulator to help prevent predatory pricing.
Hemant Gupta, Senior General Secretary, BUVM Delhi said: “We support ‘vocal for local’ and Atmanirbhar visions of the government. The growth of e-commerce should be balanced and must allow for fair competition and equal opportunity for small and medium Enterprises (SMEs), local traders, and traditional retailers. Like the case with Banks, insurance etc. a regulator should be appointed to oversee the functioning of e-commerce sector as well. No products should be allowed to be sold below MRP. These move will safeguard the interest of businesses and traders.”
Recognising the role played by the MSME sector in India’s economy, Rakesh Yadav, General Secretary. BUVM Delhi said: “The government must amend criteria for qualification as a SME based on the nature of trade. The subsidy given by the Central Government on the basis of turnover should be made reasonable so that MSMEs can benefit from it.”
Among other demands, the association called for reduction in tax compliance which has burdened businesses with additional time and expenditure. It suggested withdrawal of TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) and TCS (Tax Collected at Source).
The Bhartiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal will celebrate its 44th Foundation Day on August 3, 2025 in New Delhi. Dignitaries like Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, Minister of State Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union minister Harsh Malhotra among others are likely to attend the celebration.
Business owners and traders who have performed excellently well will be felicitated Bhamashah Samman. Lifetime Achievement Award will be posthumously awarded to business owners who have significantly contributed to the works of Bhartiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal.
