Port Blair, July 16: The State Organiser, DMK, Shri AR Marudhavaanan in his letter to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor has apprised of the difficulties being faced by the upcoming business, who have opted for self employment.

Marudhavaanan said that it has been noticed that for the last 5 to 6 months around 50 cases of CST is lying unattended with Assistant Commissioner (HQ). The upcoming businessmen of these Islands have invested a lot and are surviving the cut throat competition in the local market.

Apprising the LG of the unemployment situation which is looming large over the Islands, the State Organiser said, “If the Administration cannot provide employment, they should at least encourage local business, which could grow up to provide employment at a later stage. But by keeping the CST files pending with it for 5 to 6 months the Administration is not helping the local business in any way”.

He also mentioned that most of the local businessmen are traders and if they have CST registration, they are liable to be charged 2% Tax and if not 12.5%. Due to Non availability of CST registration even the Mainland suppliers are reluctant to supply products. Most of the local dealers have been paying fine to their Mainland suppliers due to Non availability of CST numbers.

Marudhavaanan has thus made a request to the LG to look into the matter and direct the concerned Authorities to clear the back log at the earliest.