Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Salem has welcomed the tax-free budget presented by the Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam in the State Assembly on Wednesday.
Overall the Chief Minister has presented a ‘good budget’, K.M.S. Rajesh Kumar, Chairman of CII Salem, said in a statement.
However, he expressed disappointment at the failure of any announcement to boost the economy.
Incentives
The State Government should have come out with announcements
for the overall development of manufacturing sector by way of incentives, grants, subsidy etc, he added.
The Salem City Chamber of Commerce said that the State government budget has totally disappointed the trading community. The expectations of the traders have not been met in the budget, A. Jayaseelan, secretary of the Chamber, said.
No doubt, the tax-free budget has delighted the trading community. But at the same time, the Chief Minister has decided to hike the VAT target to Rs. 72,068 crore during next fiscal. For achieving increased VAT target, the officials will harass the hapless traders.
Referring to the introduction of single window system website for the benefit of the first generation entrepreneurs, Mr. Jayaseelan said it was a welcome step. However, the announcement should not remain on paper alone.
Merger of rivers
C. Vaiyapuri, president, United Farmers Association Tamil Nadu, expressed unhappiness over the announcement of allotment of Rs. 253 crore for the merger of rivers.
All the rivers in the State have remained dry and severe drought conditions prevail throughout the State.
The ground water level has gone down alarmingly, leading to drinking water scarcity, he added.
The funds allotted for this project will only go to the multinational companies which will be involved in the execution of this programme.
The government should concentrate on introducing geologically patronised agro-climatic zonal wise crop pattern, Mr. Vaiyapuri pleaded.
‘For achieving increased VAT target, officials will
harass the hapless traders’
