Punjab - Excise dept to re-examine VAT on silk

Under political pressure, the state Excise and Taxation Department is all set to re-examine the notices sent to traders regarding payment of the VAT on embroidered cloth and silk.

A deputation will meet Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal tomorrow along with a number of politicians from Ludhiana, Bathinda, Tarn Taran, Amritsar, as they too have their business interests involved.

Meanwhile, Ludhiana Trade Wing Board Chairman Madan Lal Bagga, Deputy Speaker Satpal Gosian, BJP state President Rajinder Bhandari from Amritsar, Health Minister Lakshmi Kanta Chawla are a few leaders, who are ready to accompany the delegation.

Sources revealed that one Tarn Taran MLA and another senior BJP state leader are running garment business and they are taking the issue personally.

Sources revealed that after the delegation by Education minister Laxmi Kanta Chawla met the Chief Minister yesterday, the trucks impounded by the excise department for want of VAT payment were released. Excise and Taxation Commissioner Venuprasad said," We are re-examining the matter and are studying the legal aspects as well."

Source : Expressindia.com - New Delhi, India, dated 22/04/2008