Punjab CM reviews alternate sources avaliable for octroi

Chandigarh, June 20 (UNI) Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh today held a high level meeting here to review the various alternate options available with the government before a decision can be taken to abolish octroi.

Taking part in the deliberations, Capt Singh directed the group of officers entrusted with the task to evolve some viable alternative sources in lieu of octroi, to ensure that there should be no financial constraints in the functioning of the local bodies.

He categorically said that the interests of the employees working in the local bodies should be safeguarded at all costs.

Capt Singh further said that the proposal of alternative sources of Rs 645 crore to replace octroi should be finalised within four weeks. The Chief Minister resolved to make the Municipal Councils and Corporations sustainable after the abolition of octroi so that the entire system of the local bodies should not crumble.

The abolition of octroi is part of the Congress party's manifesto of the last assembly elections.

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