GST effect: No more vehicle tax in Cantonment areas

The three cantonment areas, Pune Cantonment Board (PCB), Khadki Cantonment Board (KCB) and Dehu road Cantonment Board (DCB), abolished vehicle entry tax applicable for tourist vehicles as well as the Local Body Tax

With the goods and services tax (GST) coming into effect from Saturday, people passing through the three cantonment areas in Pune will no longer have to pay vehicle entry tax. From Friday midnight, the three cantonment areas Pune Cantonment Board (PCB), Khadki Cantonment Board (KCB) and Dehu road Cantonment Board (DCB) abolished the vehicle entry tax applicable for tourist vehicles as well as the Local Body Tax.

After the implementation of GST, octroi booths were closed in the Dehu cantonment board areas. (HT PHOTO)

The three cantonment boards, however, have cited financial loss and have requested the Defence Ministry to allow them accept vehicle entry tax. During the special meeting convened by PCB on Saturday, it was decided to write to the Defence Ministry seeking permission to accept ‘fees’ from commercial vehicles passing through the cantonment area.

“The cancellation of vehicle tax will create a financial burden on the PCB. We will write to the centre seeking special permission to collect the tax,” said Rajiv Sethi, president, PCB.