The incoming government at the Centre must prioritize addressing the legitimate concerns of traders regarding the complex GST system, as emphasized by the Agro Food Chamber of Commerce and Industry. S. Rethinavelu, the president of the chamber, highlighted that despite numerous appeals from trade bodies across the country, the previous government did not take sufficient action to resolve GST-related issues. The intended purpose of the GST system was to eliminate excessive taxation, but it has inadvertently burdened traders, particularly those in the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, causing significant disruption to their livelihood. Furthermore, while major corporate entities received attention, the vital interests of MSMEs, which account for 40% of employment, were disregarded. This negligence resulted in the closure of numerous MSME units and subsequent unemployment.
In addition to addressing the GST concerns, it is crucial for the new government to tackle other pressing issues. S. Rethinavelu also expressed the need to rectify the disparities that often arise when a single party governs the Centre. He highlighted instances where regions governed by opposition parties were allegedly treated with bias, citing examples such as the unresolved demands for the elevation of Madurai airport to international status and the expeditious construction of Madurai AIIMS.
Furthermore, focus should be directed towards addressing the concerns of farmers. Immediate measures to rejuvenate tanks, lakes, and irrigation channels through desilting are imperative, as inadequate water storage significantly impacts agricultural yields. These steps are vital to alleviating the challenges faced by the farming community.