Rajasthan CM presents a populist budget

Jaipur, Mar 9 (UNI) Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje today announced many sops for the common man and the constitution of an 'economically weaker sections commission' to study their condition in the budget 2007-08 presented here today.

The chief minister while presenting the budget said the state has reported an increase of 20 per cent in tax revenue following the introduction of VAT in the current financial year.

The chief minister also announced a new VAT Dhan Laxmi scheme, under which prizes will be given on lottery basis for VAT paid cash memos of Rs 100 or more.

VAT rate for parts and accessories of agriculture sprayers reduced to zero. Mandi tax on vegetables and herbs reduced from 1.6 to 0.5 per cent.

Unstitched bedsheets exempted from VAT. Umbrellas and their parts and accessories exempted from CST. VAT rate on all chemicals, used as industrial inputs reduced to four per cent. VAT rate on Gelatin and capsules made from it reduced from 12.5 per cent to four per cent. VAT rate on toulene, o-xylene and mix-xylene reduced from 12.5 to four per cent.

Ratanjot and bio-deisel were exempted from VAT. VAT rate on gold and silver ''vark' reduced from 12.5 to one per cent.

Entertainment tax on cinema halls reduced to 35 from 50 per cent.

Recognised tour operators will receive 50 per cent rebate on special road tax on contract marriages owned and operated by them.

While the Chief minister made helmets and hand made goods of self help groups tax free the second hand cars and other motor vehicle would attract a four per cent tax on value addition.

Luxury tax be imposed on banquet halls marriage and party places.

Besides, Guar, guar gum and guar pulse are exempted from entry tax. A four per cent entry tax was imposed on PP/HDPE woven fabric.

The validity of the Rajasthan investment promotion scheme has extended being to 31 March 2009.

UNI