Cong: It smacks of crony capitalism
Wednesday, 05/06/2013
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20130605/punjab.htm#2
Chandigarh : Punjab Congress Legislature Party (CLP) Leader Sunil Jakhar today claimed the state government was resorting to crony capitalism by announcing tax rebates for big industrial houses which were close to the SAD-BJP Government.
In a statement, Jakhar asked why no initiative was taken to revive the existing units to make them viable. He said Mandi Gobindgarh had already turned into a ghost town due to government apathy. Jakhar also asked how tax rebate could be announced beyond the period for which the SAD-BJP has the mandate to govern.
He said this was a serious issue which called for a special session of the Punjab assembly for a debate. “What is the guarantee that the existing industrial units will not be re-christened and avail tax benefit without really industrialising Punjab or adding any gainful employment,” he asked.
Meanwhile, former Deputy Chairman of the State Planning Board RR Bhardwaj said the government had announced an industrial policy without making any provision of land. He said an agency had been deputed to create a land pool which itself could take years.
He said it was strange that new industrialists who wanted capital and interest subsidy were being offered tax rebates with retrospective effect once they got into production.
“It is akin to giving money to someone when he does not need it”, Bhardwaj observed.
Sangrur MP Vijay Inder Singla said the state industry was looking for solutions to the unjust electricity duty as well as advance power security taken from them but were disappointed.
Singla said if the state government was really concerned about the existing industry in Punjab, which had remained loyal to Punjab despite concessions given in the neighbouring states, it should cover it under the VAT and CST concessions announced for those setting up new units in the state. The MP said Industry Minister Anil Joshi had been humiliated at the launch ceremony of the new industry policy by not even being asked to speak.
Sunil JakharHow can tax rebate be announced beyond the period for which the SAD-BJP coalition has the mandate to govern. This is a serious issue which calls for a special session of the assembly
