Finance and Commercial Taxes Minister Jayant Malaiya held detailed discussions with the representatives of the State’s manufacturing establishments at Mantralaya here on Tuesday.
The discussions were part of a series of meetings for eliciting views and seek suggestions from various sections of society and establishments regarding preparation of the State’s budget for year 2014-15.
Malaiya said that interests of manufacturers and businessmen will be fully protected and their problems will be solved effectively. He sought their suggestions regarding this. Principal Secretary Commercial Taxes AK Rai and Commissioner Commercial Taxes Amit Rathore were also present on the occasion.
The representatives of the manufacturing establishments demanded to end the dual entry tax. Some representatives demanded to abrogate entry tax. The Gas Authority of India limited demanded that 30 per cent VAT should be reduced to 2 per cent. The representatives of the National Fertilisers limited, Vijaypur suggested that the fertilisers used by the farmers should be exempted from tax. The representatives of the textile sector suggested reducing tax on yarn from 5 per cent to 2 per cent. They also suggested exempting coal purchase from entry tax. They said that audit process should be simplified further and electricity duty should be reduced to 9 per cent.
It was also suggested that no tax should be realised on self consumption of power from captive power plants. The representatives of tobacco industries suggested reducing tax on tobacco products. Principal Secretary Rai said that higher taxes have been imposed on tobacco products consciously to reduce their consumption in society. About delay in assessment, Rai said that the process will be expedited. Discussions were also held on ITR-related issues.
Commissioner, Commercial Taxes, Amit Rathore said that most of the works between department and businessmen would take place online. The department is starting online refund process.