Kolkata, March 26 (IANS) The Federation of Hosiery Manufacturers Association of India has called for an indefinite shut down for hosiery and garment industry all over India, demanding withdrawal of excise duty on hosiery and garment products.

"We are observing the indefinite shut down across the country from yesterday (Thursday). We are demanding withdrawal of ten percent excise duty imposed on hosiery and garment products in the Union Budget for 2011-12," said Federation of Hosiery Manufacturers Association of India President K.B. Agarwal at a press conference here Friday.

"Originally, in the budget, Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee imposed ten percent excise duty on 60 percent of the minimum retail price (MRP) of the products. After our agitation, the minister announced March 22 that the ten percent excise duty will be imposed on 45 percent of the MRP. But we are still badly affected due to the imposition of excise duty. We want complete withdrawal of it," he said.

"We apprised West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee of the situation. He has already written a letter to the union finance ministry, urging it to withdraw the excise duty," he added.