CM begins pre-budget consultation

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday commenced the pre-budget consultation exercise, with lorry owners seeking abolition of toll on stretches within Bengaluru limits.

At the consultation meeting held at the Vidhana Soudha, wine merchants also sought that the Value Added Tax (VAT) on liquor served at bar and restaurants be withdrawn.

In their memorandum to Siddaramaiah, who also holds the finance portfolio, the Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners and Agents Association stated that toll was being collected on several stretches in Bengaluru, including Yeshwantpur-Peenya- Nelamangala; Madanayakanahalli- Electronics City; Sadarahalli Gate Airport Road, Madiwala- Electronics City, among others.

Memorandum

The memorandum stated that no toll was collected in Hyderabad city limits. Roads in Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai, too, were toll-free, and Bengaluru should follow suit.

Federation president G R Shanmugappa told reporters that instead of collecting toll, an additional tax of Rs 1,000 per year on commercial and private vehicles could be collected by the transport department. The government could mobilise Rs 12,200 crore by imposing the additional tax on 1.22 crore vehicles in the State. The Centre had also decided to withdraw toll collection on several roads, he said.

Other suggestions made by the federation include reduction of quantum of road tax on multi-axle vehicles, construction of more truck terminals and training centres for
drivers.

Wine merchants

The Federation of Wine Merchants Association, Karnataka, in its memorandum has sought that the 5.5 per cent VAT on liquor served in bar and restaurants be withdrawn, as it was affecting business.

The federation has also sought that the margin on sales provided for liquor shopowners be increased from the present 10 per cent to 20 per cent.
Siddaramaiah also held meetings with officials of the Kannada and Culture, Law, Muzrai, Women and Child Development departments.

The next round of pre-budget meetings will be held on February 25. Siddaramaiah is scheduled to present the budget on March 13.