Coronavirus Lockdown: Trader's body writes to PM, suggests measures to tide over financial stress

A national body of traders has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suggesting a host of measures to help the community tide over the crisis triggered by the coronavirus lockdown, including putting a cap on the value of e-commerce sales and giving access to Udyog Aadhaar cards

|May 26, 2020, 18:22:43 IST

Kolkata: A national body of traders has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suggesting a host of measures to help the community tide over the crisis triggered by the coronavirus lockdown, including putting a cap on the value of e-commerce sales and giving access to Udyog Aadhaar cards.The Federation of All India Vyapar Mandal said it decided to seek the PM's intervention after meeting its representatives in 17 states on the way forward for the 6.5 odd crore traders.In the letter to the prime minister, it said that e-commerce players should not be allowed to sell products over Rs 5,000.Click here to follow LIVE updates on coronavirus outbreakThis provision is extremely essential for traders of electronic goods, mobile phones, computers and laptops, whose business has been severely hit due to the growing e-commerce segment, national secretary of Vyapar Mandal, V K Bansal said.The letter also said the traders should be accorded the status of service providers and allowed to apply for Udyog Aadhaar cards to avail the benefits of loans offered to small and micro business/service providers at a reasonable interest of 6 percent.Vyapar Mandal batted for the introduction of a single point GST system under which the entire tax amount is collected at the manufacturers' end on prevailing rates.It also said due to the lockdown, a lot of goods have been stocked up for months in warehouses and are losing their original quality due to which they are being sold at less than the purchase price."The government should refund the excess to GST to traders," said Sushil Poddar, convenor of the eastern zone of Vyapar Mandal.

Stroke is rising among young adults. Doctor explains why it's happening and what you must do

Stroke is increasingly affecting adults in their 30s, 40s and 50s. Experts say unhealthy lifestyles, undiagnosed high blood pressure and delayed treatment are driving the rise in younger stroke cases

3 min read

Stroke in young adults, silent symptoms and late diagnosis: India's growing brain health challenge

Neurologists warn that stroke is increasingly affecting people in their 30s and 40s, while many brain disorders progress silently before symptoms appear. They say early diagnosis, timely referrals and healthier lifestyles are key to reducing India's growing neurological disease burden.

5 min read

Brain tumours aren't always fatal, but delayed diagnosis can be: Experts explain the key warning signs

Brain tumours are frequently mistaken for common headaches, stress or age-related cognitive changes. Doctors say recognising warning signs early and adopting a brain-healthy lifestyle can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term neurological complications.

2 min read

Spices, health and the Indian plate: Why chilli can be good for you—but moderation is still key

From boosting metabolism to supporting heart health, chillies offer several surprising health benefits. But experts say the amount you eat matters, and too much spice can do more harm than good.

4 min read

Organ donation: 5 myths you need to stop believing, according to a transplant specialist

Organ donation has the power to transform and save lives, but this can happen only when myths are replaced with facts. Building awareness, having open conversations and understanding the process can help families make informed decisions.