The Goods and Services Tax (GST) was introduced in India on July 1, 2017. Whether you’re paying bills at a restaurant, shopping in a store, or ordering online, GST is included in the final amount. However, a recent government notice has triggered panic in several cities, especially Bengaluru. GST notices were sent to many bakeries, tea stalls, and condiment shop owners in Bengaluru, leading the owners to protest by halting the sale of milk and tea for three days. Read to know the details.
Bengaluru Businesses On Three-Day Protest Over GST Notices
Small businesses in Bengaluru, including milk vendors and bakery owners, decided to go on strike for three days, starting July 23, 2025. They took this decision after they received a GST notice linked to UPI transactions. According to One India reports, traders received tax notices ranging between ₹40 lakh and over ₹2 crore. In Bengaluru alone, over 5,500 owners received tax notices of more than ₹40 lakh. This has led to a serious crisis in the city. Many shops have put a sign saying, “No Milk, No Tea” as they feel these taxes are an added burden and unfair.
As a mark of protest, many shop owners wore black badges and offered limited services. Some of them are even thinking of cancelling online payments through UPI, as it’s been considered a medium to track transactions and demand more tax. Speaking about the situation to One India, one of the traders mentioned, “With this protest, we may face a loss for two days, but it’s important. We work hard every day, but these GST taxes are affecting our earnings. Small business owners are being unfairly targeted.”
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Karnataka Government Introduces “Know GST”
As per Hindustan Times, Bengaluru’s milk vendors and small business owners are planning to end their three-day protest with a major shutdown rally at Freedom Park on Friday, July 25, 2025. Cab and auto drivers will also join the rally as they fear strict GST rules.
As for the Karnataka government, they’re planning to educate the citizens on GST and have introduced “Know GST.” The government held the first session in Koramangala on Monday and has also started a helpline number–1800 425 6300.
Amidst this situation, Bengaluru people are facing trouble in getting milk for their daily needs, raising the tension throughout the city. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments below.
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Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ ValentynVolkov/ Shreshth Sharma