CM proposes no new taxes in HP Budget

Shimla, Mar 5 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh proposed no fresh taxes in the 2007-08 Budget estimates presented in the State Assembly today, while announcing several benefits and concessions for a cross section of the society.

Presenting the Rs 9,684.96 crore Budget, the Chief Minister, who also holds the finance portfolio, announced several concessions and benefits including cross the board subsidy on food grains to arrest the prices.

The Chief Minister announced differential subsidised rates for wheat, rice and pulses to Antodaya, Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Above Poverty Line (APL) families in the state, involving an estimated subsidy of Rs 100 crore during the year.

In his ''please all budget'', he announced the continuation of subsidy to domestic power consumers costing Rs 130 crore, five per cent interim relief to government employees, enhacement of Panchayat Shahayaks and Chowidars and increase ration allowance of police constables from 100 to Rs 175 per month and increase daily wages of home guards from Rs 100 to Rs 130.

The Budget proposed increase in wages of Vidya Upasaks to be raised to the level of 50 per cent of the minimum basic pay and dearness pay of regular JBT teachers, parity in pay scales of para and contract teachers, non practising allowance of Ayurvedic Veterinary doctors on par with medical doctors, special allowance of Rs 100 to head teachers, special additional increment to government drivers and an increase of Rs 1200 per annum to anganwadi workers and helpers.

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