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Cong wants to make Chhattisgarh a tax free state
Raipur, Nov 21: The ruling Congress today said it will make Chhattisgarh a ``tax free`` state, if it returns to power in the December one assembly elections.
Raipur, Nov 21: The ruling Congress today said it will make
Chhattisgarh a ''tax free'' state, if it returns to power in the
December one assembly elections.
''Chhattisgarh will be made a tax free state if its rich mineral
resources are utilised judiciously to mop up revenue,'' Chief
Minister Ajit Jogi said while releasing the party manifesto.
Pointing out that planned utilisation of the resources will help generate revenue, the Chief Minister said revenue from mineral resources at the time of formation of the state was about Rs 200 crore but it had now increased to about Rs 500 crore.
''The gestation period of mining projects is more. Once the mining activities gain momentum, the state could earn good revenue,'' he said, adding that ''the concept of tax free state could become a reality once this target is achieved''.
Referring to the state's financial management, the Chief Minister said his government had been able to bring down the establishment cost to just 32 per cent of the total revenue.
''We are committed to ensure that the establishment cost does not exceed 40 per cent of the revenue,'' he said, adding that the policy had helped to mobilise resources for welfare and development activities throughout the state.
Asked whether the proposal to carve out more districts would result in increase in the establishment cost, Jogi said the limit will be maintained at 40 per cent even after creation of new districts.
''Our limit is 40 per cent. At present, the establishment cost is 32 per cent. So we will manage within this eight per cent gap,'' he added.
Bureau Report
Pointing out that planned utilisation of the resources will help generate revenue, the Chief Minister said revenue from mineral resources at the time of formation of the state was about Rs 200 crore but it had now increased to about Rs 500 crore.
''The gestation period of mining projects is more. Once the mining activities gain momentum, the state could earn good revenue,'' he said, adding that ''the concept of tax free state could become a reality once this target is achieved''.
Referring to the state's financial management, the Chief Minister said his government had been able to bring down the establishment cost to just 32 per cent of the total revenue.
''We are committed to ensure that the establishment cost does not exceed 40 per cent of the revenue,'' he said, adding that the policy had helped to mobilise resources for welfare and development activities throughout the state.
Asked whether the proposal to carve out more districts would result in increase in the establishment cost, Jogi said the limit will be maintained at 40 per cent even after creation of new districts.
''Our limit is 40 per cent. At present, the establishment cost is 32 per cent. So we will manage within this eight per cent gap,'' he added.
Bureau Report