23rd December 2008 : Traders in Pune observe bandh

Wholesale markets for foodgrains and grocery in Pune district will remain closed as part of a state-wide market bandh call to protest against the government's order on collection of levy from the buyers instead of farmers. The bandh call has been given by a consortium of 42 traders and merchants organisations,
The levy refers to a 30 per cent amount of the total labour charge collected by commission agents at the wholesale markets and deposited with the Mathadi Board, a state body for labour welfare. The amount is used for welfare schemes like provident fund, medical aid etc., for the workers in the market yards. So cut short one day in your Christmas shopping.