No plan to re-introduce octroi in Punjab

Chandigarh, Mar 4 (UNI) The SAD-BJP government in Punjab has no plans to re-impose octroi in the state, local Bodies Minister Manoranjan Kalia informed the Assembly here today.

The Minister was replying to a question by Mr Randeep Singh (Cong) during Question Hour.

The member in this context referred to the statements of certain ruling alliance members on the re-introduction of octroi in view of the fiscal health of the state.

''I assure you that there is no move afoot to re-impose octroi, the Minister said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal told the House that a master development plan for the cities/towns of the state was under consideration of the government.

In the first phase, 36 cities/towns, which include all district headquarters, tehsils and other growing towns would be taken up for development, he told Harmohinder Singh Pradhan (Cong) during Question Hour.

The criteria to include towns in the priority list would be the administrative status of the city/town, trend of growth and special nature or potential of the town, he added.

UNI HS SW AS1947