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Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana to work for uniform liquor rates in tricity
Currently, liquor in Chandigarh is cheaper than Mohali and Panchkula. Both Haryana and Punjab governments along with liquor vendors in the twin satellites cities consider it as a cause of revenue loss for them. It hasn’t been decided yet whether Chandigarh will increase its excise duty or Haryana and Punjab will decrease theirs
Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh on Wednesday once again decided to work for uniform liquor rates across the tricity.
During the meeting of the apex committee of tricity – the inter-state coordination committee, chaired by Punjab governor and UT administrator VP Singh Badnore,harmonising of excise duty was discussed.
“No road map or timelines were fixed during the meeting, but there was a discussion regarding bringing liquor rates at par in the three cities. But, it is yet to be worked out whether Chandigarh will increase excise duty or Haryana and Punjab will decrease theirs,” said a UT official.
Currently, liquor in Chandigarh is cheaper than Mohali and Panchkula. Both Haryana and Punjab governments along with liquor vendors in the twin satellites cities consider it as a cause of revenue loss for them.
“The UT administration has traditionally kept excise duties comparatively lower than Mohali and Panchkula. This may be considered as one of the causes of smuggling of liquor from city to neighbouring cities and towns. If the duties are harmonised, then it is expected to bring down smuggling,” the official added. On the lines of excise duty, harmonisation of motor vehicle taxes and fuel prices in the tricity were also discussed.
The meeting was attended by Haryana chief secretary Vijay Vardhan, Punjab chief secretary Vini Mahajan, UT adviser Dharam Pal, DGP Punjab, ADGP Haryana and other senior officials of the three administrations.
The issue of beggary was also highlighted, wherein it was decided that proper schooling should be provided to children and their mapping exercise should be carried out to ensure that they continue to have education.
Law-and-order discussed
The coordination committee also discussed various law and order issues like participation of both neighbouring states in tackling the crimes committed by interstate gangsters, snatchings and thefts in the tricity. It was also suggested to encourage the use of emergency response support system (control room number 112).
Citing the example of recent protests in the city, Badnore directed to ensure compliance with the decision to prohibit entry of tractors within the tricity. It was also agreed that protestors from Punjab and Haryana need to be stopped at the respective borders with Chandigarh, with support of state governments. Peaceful agitations with prior permission need to be allowed to be held, but only at dedicated and earmarked areas in Chandigarh.
The administrator exhorted that all levels of official hierarchies, right up to the beat level, should hold meetings at regular intervals and follow up action should be taken up accordingly.
Haryana to present alternative route to airport: Badnore
On the Haryana suggestion for an alternative shorter route to Chandigarh International Airport through Sector 48, Jagatpura, it was decided that town and country planning departments of three administrations will examine it.
A UT official, said, “Many issues related to land acquisition have to be sorted. But first, we need concrete plans on the alternative route. Haryana was asked to present a concrete plan on the issue.” Badnore emphasised that all the three governments need to work in coordination to work on the direct approach road for connectivity with airport as well as on the ring roads around tricity.
Earlier, the distance from Tribune Chowk to the airport was 2.71 km. Now, the existing route from Tribune Chowk to the airport is 14.52 km through Punjab (Mohali), which was causing difficulty to the residents of Chandigarh as they have to cover more distance and spend more time to reach the airport.
