Punjab industry will be allowed direct purchase of power

Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, Apr 22 (UNI) The Punjab government will allow 'open access' for direct purchase of power by industry from sources outside the state.

The 'wheeling charges' on power thus purchased would be significantly reduced, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal said here today while interacting with industrialists and traders.

He announced the setting up of a four member 'interactive group' comprising the representatives from the government and the industry for a joint initiative to inject entrepreneurial dynamism, loosen the stifling grip of official dome and simplify procedural complexities' in order to create a cordial atmosphere in which ''the industry could breath freely''.

Mr Badal said that the interactive group would come out with suggestions for VAT refund within a stipulated period and the payment of interest in case of the delayed refunds. The group would also find way and means to ensure there is no harassment at the information collection centres, deemed assessment of pending sales tax cases upto the assessment year 2005-06 and nominal fee to be charged in lieu of C-forms.

Mr Badal also promised to look into the viability of the traders demand to reduce the VAT from 4 per cent to 2 per cent after the interactive group submits its recommendations.

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