Toy manufacturers to demand removal of 5% VAT

The toy manufacturers of the state would demand removal of 5% VAT imposed on toys by the state government. The decision was taken during the convention of toys' manufacturers of the country held in the city on Sunday.Close to 250 toy manufacturers from across the country attended the meeting and shared innovations in the field like new designs, packing and marketing strategies.The retailers also complained that following the advent of Chinese goods in the county, their margins are shrinking and the quality of toys also has gone down drastically. The manufacturers also claimed that the Chinese toys have hampered their business to a great extent. Suresh Gandhi, president of Madhya Pradesh Toys' Dealers' Association, told dna that toys are VAT free in states like Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and many more, so the same should be done in Madhya Pradesh as well."The toys are related to kids, so no kind of tax should be levied on these goods," he added.Gandhi said that the manufacturers and traders will meet chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for getting their demands addressed soon.Gandhi further claimed that the convention was aimed at boosting toy industry, letting manufacturers be familiar with new technologies, adding new members and promoting after sales service. The MP Toys Dealers Association has 150 members across the state.The president All India Toy Manufacturers' Association Juzer Gabajiwala also addressed the participants and discussed the prevailing scenario in the industry. This Mumbai-based industry has close to 1100 members in different states.