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| After five years of no fresh taxes, Opposition watching FM’s plans | | | Early Times Report
Jammu, June 27: Though there is more than a month for the Finance Minister, Abdul Rahim Rather, to present the annual budget proposals in the state Assembly people keep their fingers crossed.
They are not sure whether Rather, to be more precise if the National Conference led Government, will opt for heavy or mild dose of fresh taxes or prefer a tax free budget proposals. Well people have had respite from paying additional taxes during the six-year rule of the PDP-Congress coalition. Yes only the power tariff had been marginally increased. Still the electricity rates are much cheaper than what they are in other states in the north.
While peoples' interest in the budget proposals is linked to tax structure, whether it will register any hike or not, that of the opposition is tagged to the strategy they adopt if the Government opted for additional taxes. Reports from the PDP, the BJP and the Panthers Parties indicate that they are readying themselves for resorting to agitation on the floor of the House and outside also. If the Government opted for imposing fresh taxes it may give a chance to the opposition parties to close their ranks and launch intensive campaign within and outside the state Legislature. It is but natural for the opposition to be on the defensive if the Government takes in hand people-friendly measures and policies. Tax free budget proposals usually are considered as people-friendly programme. The National Conference leadership has, in the past, not favoured a tax free budget proposals. Even if the scope for imposing additional taxes was very limited Abdul Rahim Rather would not hesitate increasing taxes and excise on all items on sale in the defence canteens. Between 1996 and 2002 prices of canteen items were higher than some items sold in the open market in Haryana and Punjab. The total revenue from such an exercise would not cross Rs. five crores to Rs.10 crores. Now that the opposition may disrupt the Assembly proceedings if Rather goes in for additional taxes. People too may become restive resulting in a new wave of unrest in the state. The state has fragile resources. Its resources and revenue allow the state Government to meet only 20 per cent of the expenses and for meeting the rest of the 80 per cent expenses it has to bank on central financial assistance that come in the shape of 90 per cent aid and 10 per cent grant. Since it is the Congress-NC coalition the Governmet of India should come to its rescue by sanctioning liberal financial assistance. As far as the state Government is concerned Rather and Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, should ponder over introducing austerity measures. Let there be cut in expenditure on T.A. D.A. telephone, medical reimbursement and on other extraneous activities which may help the Government to save over Rs.20 crores per year. Let all the legislators, including ministers, volunteer to have 20 per cent cut in the monthly salary and perks It could save over Rs. five crores a year
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