Mah abolishes octroi in 15 'D' class municipal corporations

Mumbai, Mar 19 (UNI) Maharashtra Government today decided to abolish Octroi from all 15 'D' class Municipal corporations in the state from 2008-09 and introduce account-based cess in its place.

Making this announcement in the Legislative Assembly while presenting his 10th consecutive budget, Finance Minister Jayant Patil said account-based cess scheme has been successfuly implemented in Navi Mumbai Municipal corporation.

Mr Patil said the government was fully aware of the fact that octroi interrupts the free flow of trade. There is considerable delay at the Nakas, resulting in loss of time, destruction of perishable goods, wastage of fuel and general delay in economic activities.

Necessary training of staff, registration of traders and preparation of required documents will be taken up immediately and a time bound programme will be followed up to implement the Account based Cess in lieu of Octroi in 15 'D' class municipal corporations in the first phase, he added.

UNI MR OBB AK AS1710