Kolkata, 29th June 2024: The Outdoor Advertising Forum, Bidhannagar Chapter, held a press conference to address the recent removal of advertising collaterals, including billboards and hoardings, in the Bidhannagar area. This action has caused disruption to many businesses and individuals in the outdoor advertising industry, some of whom have been operating for over 25-30 years. The event was attended by the members of the Outdoor Advertising Forum, Bidhannagar Chapter including Krishna Kanta Saha, Chairman, Outdoor Advertising Association, Kolkata, Owner, Karukrit Advertising Pvt Ltd; Dipak Samanta, President, Outdoor Advertising Association, Kolkata, President, Image Ad; Satinder Roy, Asst Secretary, Outdoor Advertising Association; Sujoy Saha, Governing Body Member, Outdoor Advertising Association, Kolkata, Owner, Satlink Advertising PVT LTD; Hemanta Dandapat, Governing Body Member, Outdoor Advertising Association, Kolkata, Owner, Adworld Advertising; and Sanghamitra Bose, Governing Body Member, Outdoor Advertising Association, Kolkata, Owner, Bells Advertising Syndicates.
The Forum discussed the community's concerns regarding the unannounced removal of advertising collaterals. These actions were reportedly carried out due to allegations of tax evasion, but without prior notice to the affected parties. This has disrupted the operations of established businesses and negatively impacted numerous workers who rely on this industry for their livelihood.
The Forum noted that many of these businesses have maintained clean records, paying their taxes and operating within the legal framework. The sudden removal of their advertising materials seems unwarranted. While committed to addressing any fraudulent activities within the industry, the Association urges authorities to distinguish between legitimate operators and unlawful entities.
The Forum emphasised the need for collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure fair practices in the outdoor advertising industry. While supporting the timely payment of taxes and compliance with legal requirements, the Association asserted that the process should be transparent and equitable, not punitive towards legitimate businesses.
The Forum seeks a meeting with the Chief Minister to discuss these issues and find a resolution that allows for the continued operation of legitimate businesses without undue uncertainties. They also aim to establish a system where tax dues are systematically collected, and fraudulent operators are effectively addressed.
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