ASIRT urges to stop sales and purchases

In the last month, the campaign against Local Body Tax (LBT) gained commendable momentum in the state especially in Maharashtra. In line with this, Association of System Integrators & Retailers in Technology (ASIRT), has supported this protest now urging its members to stop all sales and purchase related activities.

An astounding majority of traders across Maharashtra have united against LBT and are observing "BANDH". Some cities are "BANDH" since 2 weeks now. Kshitij Kotak, president, ASIRT informed, "ASIRT has, from day 1 extended its moral support to FAM (Federation of Associations in Maharashtra) that is spearheading the movement and BANDH against LBT and Octroi. As a member of responsible business community, as honest tax-payers and as member of proposed IT Associations' Federation (FITAM), ASIRT feels obliged to support this bandh."

ASIRT members are System Integrators and Service Providers who are bound by contractual obligations, SLA, etc. that include severe penalty clauses. Highlighting the challenges faced by the member community, Kotak informed, "As ethical business entities we should not renegade on our commitment to our clients. Even many retailer members provide services and cannot put a stop to services."

ASIRT body has urged its members to take bold steps towards this cause. Kotak informs, "LBT being aimed at trading aspect of our business, ASIRT urges you to support the entire business community of Maharashtra and join the protest by STOPPING ALL SALES AND PURCHASE ACTIVITIES."

The president of ASIRT has requested its members stating, "LBT is a severe and direct body-blow not only to our retailer ASIRT brothers but also all of us indulging in sales and purchase / trading / reselling aspects of our business; almost all of us. ASIRT is confident that you shall observe this call for justice while reassuring that we abide the law of the land and taxes levied - but not in a way that encourages corruption and harassment of honest ASIRTers."

In another development, industry sources have indicated that the distributor community will take part in this protest and are planning to stop billing till 16th May, wherein the list includes majors like Ingram Micro, Rashi Peripherals, Savex, Neoteric, Redington, Iris Computers, iBall, Compuage. However, this information is yet to be verified with the aforementioned companies.