Yediyurappa seeks cooperation of all to plug ''tax leakage''

Bangalore, Mar 21 (UNI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa today sought the cooperation of one and all, including industries and business community, to plug the loopholes in collection of taxes as lapses were continuing.

Delivering a talk on 'State Post Budget Meeting 2007-08', organised by the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry here, he said that though 24 per cent growth was seen in tax collection last year, there was a need for further improvement.

''Plugging loopholes in tax collection is very much necessary since the State exchequer has to bear an additional burden of Rs 6,000 crore following waiver of farm loans up to Rs 25,000 and Rs 1,400 crore due to ban on sale of arrack,'' he said, adding that the State was also facing drought conditions.

Mr Yediyurappa regretted that though the budget needed to be discussed threadbare in the House, the Opposition parties were wasting time by raking up unnecessary issues. ''Budget, if discussed threadbare, will activate the bureaucracy and create awareness among the public about the welfare measures initiated by the Government,'' he added.

Stating that honest efforts were made in the budget for 2007-08 to fulfill the aspirations of all sections of the people, he claimed that the budget was welcomed by all.

UNI