Taking serious note of reports of illicit collection of money from business and industry, Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Thursday ordered the State Director General of Police Suresh Arora to crackdown against the so-called “goonda tax” in the State.
Strict directions were issued to the state police chief to activate all available resources to identify and take strict action against the culprits, “irrespective of who they are”.
The issue was raised during the Cabinet meeting by the ministers, who urged the Chief Minister to take cognizance of reports related to goonda tax being charged from businesses and industries in some parts of the state.
The state Finance Manpreet Badal said that his name was being vilified in the whole process that was adversely affecting business sentiment, which the state government was striving hard to promote.
Responding to his concern, Capt Amarinder told the DGP to initiate immediate steps to crackdown on those involved in the collection of such tax, without taking into consideration their political or other affiliations.
He also asked the DGP to ensure that the message goes down the rank and file of the police force that no laxity or delay in the matter would be tolerated.
“Such activities hinder the government’s efforts to bring industrial and economic development back on track, and to provide a clean and transparent environment to boost industry and investment in the state,” Capt Amarinder asserted.