Chief Minister Siddaramaiah chaired a meeting on Wednesday with traders and trade bodies, including the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI), on the concerns raised by small traders regarding GST notices issued by the Commercial Taxes Department.Mr. Siddaramaiah promised traders that the government would not collect GST arrears of the past three years, following which the traders called off their protest, but told them to mandatorily register their business under the GST.He said principal goods or food items such as milk, bread, vegetables, coconut, tender coconut, meat, flowers and street vendors selling agricultural commodities are exempted from paying GST.9,000 noticesThe Chief Minister said 9,000 notices were served to traders with a turnover of over ₹40 lakh a year. Traders demanded the withdrawal of GST notices that were served to them, which were tracked with the help of UPI transactions. Old tax arrears would not be pursued, provided all such traders register under the GST and start paying the GST in the future, the Chief Minister said. He said workshops would be conducted to create awareness about GST and department officials would attend the workshops.Trade union representatives, including the FKCCI, raised concerns about confusion among small traders regarding GST notices, which often include loan amounts and personal transactions.The government emphasised its commitment to supporting small traders and ensuring lawful business operations. It would provide assistance for timely tax payments, the Chief Minister said. The GST Council chaired by the Union Finance Minister decided taxes, he added.Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, Finance and Commercial Taxes Department officials attended the meeting.Wearing black bandsOn Wednesday, some traders and shopkeepers ran their businesses wearing black band, and some of them closed their business opposing the tax on UPI transactions exceeding ₹40 turnover lakh annually.The Karnataka Karmika Parishat had planned to hold a protect on Friday at Freedom Park. The Karnataka State Association of Bakeries, Condiments and Small Enterprises had planned to stage a protest on Thursday.Published - July 24, 2025 06:00 am IST