No decision made regarding abolition octroi in Mah: Patil

Nagpur, Dec 11 (UNI) The state Government has not yet taken the final decision regarding the abolition of octroi in municipal bodies in the state, Maharashtra Finance Minister Mr Jayant Patil told the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, here today.

However, members belonging to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged a walkout expressing their dissatisfaction with the government's stand on the issue.

Making a statement in the House on the directives of the Speaker Mr Babasaheb Kupekar on a notice for an adjournment motion on the issue from BJP MLA Eknath Khadse, Mr Patil said the Government wanted to examine the issue in detail and also provide for an alternative source of revenue for the municipal bodies, before taking a final decision.

Octroi would be abolished as soon as an alternative source was worked out that could provide revenue comparable to the existing levels of proceeds from the levy, he explained.

A proposal to this regard was placed before the cabinet two weeks ago, but was not approved because several amendments were suggested, Mr Patil disclosed.

The proposal was being revised at present, the minister informed the House.

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