The Hindu Business Line : Rs 75-cr tax proposals in Bengal Budget

Kolkata, March 17 The West Bengal Finance Minister, Dr Asim Dasgupta, presenting the State Budget for 2008-09 here today at the Assembly, projected a total expenditure of Rs 52,092.73 crore, against total receipts of Rs 52,015.73 crore, leaving an initial deficit of Rs 77 crore.

The Finance Minister has also proposed a string of measures, by way of revenue-raising effort, to raise Rs 75 crore as additional resources in the next financial year, thus leaving an uncovered deficit of Rs 2 crore.

It has been proposed to allocate an additional amount of Rs 100 crore for creating a special assistance fund that will be utilised for imparting job-oriented training and extending other assistance to those who lose their land for setting up of industries.

Tax proposals

Dr Dasgupta has combined both tax reliefs and other facilities such as attractive medical benefit schemes for State Government employees and their families involving claim reimbursement for treatment in recognised private hospitals in addition to State Government hospitals.

The tax on road rollers and shoes with MRP not exceeding Rs 750 has been reduced from 12.5 per cent to four per cent. The tax on tailoring items, kerosene stoves and biscuits not manufactured in factories defined under the Factories Act has been brought down from 12.5 per cent to four cent.

As an important revenue-raising measure, the Finance Minister has proposed to increase the one-time tax levy on motor cars and omni-buses (not being transport vehicles) under the West Bengal Additional Tax and One-Time Tax on Motor Vehicles Act, 1989.

The amounts will vary between Rs 2,000 and Rs 10,000 depending on the type of vehicle and engine/seating capacity.

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