CII urges HP for removal of tax collection barriers at borders

Shimla, Feb 25 (UNI) The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has urged the Himachal Pradesh Government to remove tax collection barriers at the state borders to facilitate business in the hill state.

The Industry body has handed over a wish list to the government over the weekend, ahead of the state budget to be presented here on March 5, state unit of CII Chairman Rajendra Guleria said in a statement here.

''The government needs to remove barriers set up for collecting taxes on the borders. This is a major hindrance for business and wastes a lot of time,'' he said.

Mr Guleria added the barriers should be replaced by surprise checks instead of checking every vehicle entering the state.

The government was collecting taxes worth Rs 350 million at toll barriers, which can be made up by imposing taxes through other means, he said.

He said the state budget should be more friendly to the industry by ensuring business without barriers.

On the issue of infrastructure development in the state, the body has called for a major thrust in the development of roads, rail and air connectivity to encourage more investment and reduce transportation costs.

He further added the new industrial policy should be a constantly evolving document after discussions with the industry, instead of changing it once in three-five years.

UNI