UT mayor’s entry tax proposal faces opposition within - Hindustan Times
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UT mayor’s entry tax proposal faces opposition within

Hindustan Times | By, Chandigarh
Feb 08, 2016 02:28 PM IST

Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei): Looking for greener pastures, Mohinder Singh Bhullar cycled his way to Brunei at the tender age of 19 and now having seen 90 springs, he is the oldest Indian living in the oil and gas-rich country and contributing to its economy through his carpet business.

City mayor Arun Sood’s proposals to generate more revenue for the municipal corporation is being opposed by almost all councillors in the House, including some from his own party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The most contentious of the proposals —imposition of entry tax on commercial vehicles coming to city from other states — has come in for severe criticism. BJP councillor Sat Parkash Aggarwal, who is also member of the Finance and Contract Committee (F&CC), said, “It is unfortunate that the mayor did not consult members of the committee on entry tax. We are opposed to this move.”

Congress councillors and as well as nominated ones have slammed all the proposals he managed to get passed at a recent meeting of the F&CC of the House that he chaired.

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The other two decisions that have evoked severe rebuke is eight-fold increase in fee for granting permission for shooting documentary files, promotional shooting and commercial shooting in gardens under the MC from Rs 5,000 to Rs 40,000.

The committee also decided to auction sites for sale and purchase of old scooter/two-wheeler bazaars operating in the parking area of Sector 41-D. Previously, dealers only used to pay Rs 450 per week. The committee has fixed ` 30,000 as reserve price. Deputy mayor Hardeep Singh said, “The increase in permission fee for shooting is far too high. Tourism industry in the city will be hit.”

Nominated councillor MP Kohli said, “How can he (the mayor) impose entry tax? We will oppose it in the House as this will lead to anarchy and businesses will suffer.”

For mer mayor Subhash Chawla said, “The BJP has shown its true colours after assuming power. Sood did not consult the House or even his own party councillors before proposing the agenda. We will oppose him.”

Mahinder Chaudhary, a dealer at scooter market, said, “The decision to auction the sites will hit our business. We will have to close as we earn only Rs 500 as commission on a two-wheeler.”

It is learnt during a coordination committee meeting with the administration, Sood had assured UT adviser Vijay Dev that the MC would generate more revenue.

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  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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    Hillary Victor is a Principal Correspondent at Chandigarh. He covers Chandigarh administration, municipal corporation and all political parties.

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