All shops and establishments in Puducherry downed shutters for a day today in response to the call by the Chamber of Commerce and Traders Association in protest against hike in Value-Added Tax for various consumer goods.

A spokesman of the Chamber said a representation was given to the Chief Minister to ensure that the rise in VAT effected from January this year on various consumer articles including cooked food, two wheelers and generators had led to a steep fall in business in the Union Territory.

All tea stalls, coffee bars, restaurants and star hotels also suspended business today.

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