Mah govt may increase stamp duty to fund irrigation

Mumbai, Aug 25 (UNI) Maharashtra government is considering an increase of one per cent stamp duty in Khandesh, Konkan and Western Maharashtra, to finance the irrigation projects in these areas.

During an informal chat with mediapersons today, the deputy chief minister R R Patil said a cabinet sub committee had recommended to increase one per cent stamp duty.

Mr Patil said the increase will earn government Rs 350 crore extra revenue per year. The government would spend Rs 700 crore (advance collection of next year) along with Rs 375 crore already allocated for the irrigation project in these areas, he said.

The proposal would go before the cabinet for consideration.

Meanwhile, chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, in a meeting held on the drought situation in the state, said jobs under Employment Guarantee Scheme should continue. He said that fodder camps should be started to help the drought affected people.

UNI XR/JM RN SY VC2035