Uttar Pradesh CM says no to VAT

New Delhi, Apr 2: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav today said his government has no intention of introducing VAT in the state.

The new tax regime is now in force almost throughout the country with five BJP-ruled states switching over to the new tax regime from yesterday.

When asked whether Uttar Pradesh was also going to fall in line, Mr Yadav, who was here to take part in the Samajwadi Party's Parliamentary Board meeting, said his government did not see any need for introduction of VAT in the state, saying its reduces revenue.

Only two States---Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Pondicherry-- are yet to implement this new tax regime.

Both Andaman and Lakshwadeep do not have a sales tax system.

The five BJP ruled states where VAT came into force from Saturday are Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh and Jharkhand.

Thus, 30 states and Union Territories have so far switched over to VAT.

UNI