JAMMU: Expressing concern over State Government’s decision on prohibition of sale of loose cigarettes, Beedis and tobacco, Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) on Saturday demanded immediate withdrawal of the order, taking into account that instead of curbing the use of these tobacco products, the move will rather boost the sales affecting the health as well as economy of the concerned.
Addressing a press conference, President CCI Rakesh Gupta asserted that extensive awareness campaign and not the prohibition shall prove more viable to motivate people against using aforesaid tobacco products. Claiming that prohibition has always led to illegal and spurious trade, he urged the government to revoke the order immediately.
Besides, Rakesh listed the major issues of business fraternity including amnesty policy on GST/Excise/ VAT recoveries wherein the principle amount could be paid and the interest and penalty be waived off whether in case of recovery on account of delayed payments or misclassification of products in VAT act. He also appealed to the state government for rationalisation of VAT rates comparable to PAN India especially on Desi Ghee, Margine, Soap, Dry fruits, UPS, Printing Cartridges, Poly Carbonates sheets, Plastic sheets, file covers and automobiles in CSD to 5 per cent and exemption on the software needed for billing purposes from any sort of tax. Chamber demanded one time composite service tax on food being served at Banquet Halls and enhancement of COT from present Rs. 25 lakh to Rs. 50 lakh in case of small traders and Dhabawalas.
Rakesh also sought exemption of VAT on all types of Shawls being mostly purchased by the tourists. Meanwhile, he hailed the announcement of allocation of budget for creation of two AIIMS both in Jammu and Srinagar.
Other office bearers including Sham Lal Langer, Senior Vice President, Deepak Aggarwal, Junior Vice President, Arun Gupta, Secretary General, Rahul Mahajan, Secretary and Ashu Gupta, Treasurer were also present.