By DC Correspondent

Copyright deccanchronicle

VIJAYAWADA: Muslim United Front and Muslim Welfare JAC president Md Kaleem has called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to issue official identity cards or exemption certificates to small business owners exempt under the GST framework. In a formal letter to the Prime Minister’s Office, Kaleem emphasised that traders with an annual turnover up to ₹40 lakh are exempted from mandatory GST registration but face constant hurdles due to lack of government-recognised proof. “These small traders form the backbone of the grassroots economy,” said Kaleem. He pointed out that GST-exempt traders often suffer harassment and delays during transportation as enforcement officials demand GST invoices, which they are not required to have. Kaleem urged the government to instruct authorities across states to accept these identity cards to protect the dignity and rights of such entrepreneurs. Kaleem further stated that the issuance of such official documentation would reflect the true spirit of the GST reform and ensure inclusivity for micro and small businesses. This initiative would help ease the operational burdens on small traders and foster a more robust, unified tax system. Kaleem drew attention to safeguarding the interests of exempted traders as India celebrates the transformative impact of GST reforms.