Traders welcome conv charges redn, BJP for their complete abolition

New Delhi, June 20 (UNI) The sharp reduction in conversion charges for commercial establishments in Delhi by the Centre today evoked mixed reactions in political and trade circles with the traders welcoming the move while the BJP called for their complete abolition.

Welcoming the nearly two thirds reduction in conversion charges by Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) said that prima facie, the Centre's move would bring much relief to various categories of users who were conducting commercial activities in mixed land use premises.

The CAIT, however, demanded that the June 30 deadline for payment of the conversion charges, notified by the MCD, be extended and the MCD should issue a new public notice in accordance with the revised conversion charges as the June 17 public notice issued by the MCD has been rendered infructuous.

The CAIT also demanded that the MCD give wide publicity to revised conversion charges and special counters be opened in zonal offices enabling people to pay charges.

On the other hand, BJP Delhi President Harsh Vardhan demanded that the Union Urban Development Minister completely abolish the conversion charges being recovered from the persons providing services under the mixed land use.

The Delhi BJP President said shopkeepers in those categories in which the court has allowed to operate are doing so for the last 60 years as service providers to the general public in the residential areas under mixed land use.

''They are not big businessman. Imposing heavy conversion charges on these people is not justified from any point of view,''he said.

''The people from whom the Congress Government is thinking of recovering conversion charges are already paying service tax, income tax, property tax, sales tax, local tax etc. It would be excessive to impose conversion charges on these people.'' More UNI