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| Tax-free budget proposals likely to be presented by Drabu | | | The main interest in the ensuing session of the state legislature is to see whether PDP-BJP coalition Government, led by Mehbooba Mufti,opts for some new taxes which could help the Government in implementing various development projects.In fact the issue of imposition of new taxes seems to have started bothering the senior leaders of the two parties,the PDP and the BJP.It is so because the financial health of Jammu and Kashmir state is not well.But Mehbooba, inside reports say, has suggested to the Finance Minister,Haseeb Drabu that he should initiate meetings with leaders of trade,industry and with a cross section of people so that he gets the idea whether imposing fresh dose of taxes is feasible or not. The session of Legislative Assembly (LA) will begin on May 25 and government will present the budget on May 30th. Hence May 30th is treated as important day for the future of the coalition Government. If Mufti Mohd. Sayeed had forged an alliance with the BJP and his decision was okayed by his daughter, the moment she decided to lead the coalition Government it was done,despite the fact majority of people in the Kashmir valley,which is said to be the vote bank for the PDP,have been opposed to the alliance with the BJP.Mehbooba did follow the footsteps of her father because she and her father had one mission of developing the state into a prosperous area with the liberal financial aid from the central Government.
This way it is not only the PDP-BJP coalition Government's test but the budget session will also determine the equation between the coalition Government and the BJP led NDA Government in the centre.It is definite the finance Minister may opt for budget proposals without burdening the people with fresh taxes.This is possible if the BJP led NDA Government in general and Prime Minister,Narendra Modi,and Finance Minister,Arun Jaitley,in particular open the strings of the purpose of the union Government.If the centre assures the state Government of continued financial help for plan and non-plan activities Dr Drabu may not have the need for imposing even mild taxes.Hence imposition of taxes or having a tax-free budget proposal depends on the central Government's response to the state's financial requirement.
On account of 27-years' long Pakistan sponsored militancy majority of people have been affected because of drop in the tourist traffic which has been treated as a backbone of the state's economy.Traders have suffered heavy losses because of violence and on account of repeated shutdown for which the calls are being given by the separatists.Transporters have suffered losses because of repeated shutdowns and on account of decline in tourist traffic to Kashmir.As such traders,transporters,hoteliers and houseboat owners who can bear heavy taxes seem to be helpless because of regular losses.Yes,to reduce the overll revenue deficit the Government may opt for a mild dose of taxation which may not hit or affect common people directly.One needs to be ready if the Government increase tax on petrol and diesel by Re. one to Rs. Two per litre.Since horticulture sector and that of the sector of sector of industry have faced stagnation,rather depression,Dr Drabu may not be in a position to impose fresh taxes.If the PDP-BJP coalition Government presents a tax free budget proposal it may be appreciated by people to the chagrin of separatists and the opposition parties,including NC and the Congress.These separatists and the opposition want Mehbooba led Government to impose fresh taxes which could trigger agitation in the state. But Mehbooba is an astute politician and she may not like to fall prey to the machinations of the opposition and the separatists. |
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