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| Govt's flawed strategy to 'tap' resources | | Entry tax for pilgrims | | EARLY TIMES REPORT
JAMMU, June 11: In what can be termed as NC led coalition government's flawed approach it is trying to adopt in strengthening its ailing economic health, the new found strategy to tap some resources is caught up in fresh whirlpool of controversies. While different ministries are passing the buck for decision to impose entry tax on pilgrim vehicles, both the coalition allies too are confused and unable to explain this move in clear terms.
There are no two opinions about the fact that J&K continues to face financial crunch and needs as many steps and measures to tap its own resources so that the sagging economy could get some strength enabling the government to meet its ever increasing expenditures. Imposing of taxes is for sure a speedy and result oriented step that can fetch some money. But the government has faltered in this strategy badly for more than one reasons. For one, the wrong time for imposition of entry tax and second that it has chosen a target group which is replete with religious sentiments, though clarifications are now coming from various saner quarters in an attempt to ward away controversy and voices that are surely going to get louder by passing day.
"This is not a tax meant specifically for pilgrims coming for Vaishno Devi Shrine or Amarnath Yatra........the tax would be imposed on all the vehicles with all sorts of tourists entering the state", said a senior cabinet minister of coalition government, wishing anonymity on account of the fact that decision doesn't relate to his ministry. It is the decision taken by the Transport Ministry to augment some resources for the government.....it is in every state, not new to this state. Infact J&K has been a loser on this front as no such tax was prevalent there even though there is large influx of 'tourists' to the state....", the NC minister explained, in a bid to justify the decision of the government led by his party.
Following some protests and voices raised in Jammu, though the government has come with what can be termed as some 'relaxation', the decision continues to remain in force, to be implemented from July this year. The relaxation or amendment, government has termed it, only allows the passenger vehicles or trucks to pay Rs 2000 for a period of one week, instead of per day. However, if this period exceeds by one day, it would further be charged Rs 2000 per day it choses to extend the stay in the state.
The transport Minister, Qamar Ali Akhoon of NC when contacted was found to be away in some state for the purpose of attending a conference. However, his comments are already known as he has tried to justify it on political contours and comparisons few days back contending that if government in Punjab, of which BJP is an ally is imposing passenger and tourist taxes on vehicles coming from any state, BJP had no reasons to make hue and cry over the issue. Let the Punjab government stop this and J&K government will also reconsider the decision, the minister is reported to have expressed his comments over the issue.
How BJP counters this argument remains to be seen but as of now the issue before implementation as a major decision is snowballing into controversy, with resistance from different quarters. Interestingly, like all controversial issues that have erupted in the past coalition or in the present dispensation has adopted 'studied' silence as if it is not aware or is remotely connected with it. Not a single minister from the party has spoken nor clarified its stance over the issue. It remains to be seen how in coming days, the coalition, primarily the NC would handle it and make it as an 'acceptable' move anyway.
However, one thing is sure that decision, even if allowed in amended or relaxed form would make Pilgrimage to Vaishnodevi and Amarnath shrines costlier from July this year.
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