Nagpur: Federation of Associations of Maharashtra ( FAM ) and Nag-Vidarbha Chamber of Commerce ( NVCC) has welcomed announcement of one time amnesty scheme for LBT registered and non – registered dealers granting immunity from interest, penalties and proceedings under the act or Rules of LBT if liability is discharged by making payment of dues by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in the legislative assembly recently.
It is pertinent to note that a delegation of FAM led by convenor of FAM action plan panel, Dipen Agrawal consisting of 65 trade representatives from all 26 corporations across the state called on the chief minister in this connection President of FAM Mohan Gurnani on behalf of FAM and affiliated associations and the traders of state has thanked the chief minister and Maharashtra government to have considered the plight of traders in announcing the amnesty scheme in the legislative assembly. He appealed to the traders to avail of the benefits of amnesty scheme by discharging their liability and avoid further coercive action by department.
Dipen Agrawal while applauding the sensitivity displayed by Devendra Fadnavis towards the problem of traders because of LBT said that by announcement of amnesty scheme traders now can be sure of abolishing of LBT and octroi from August 1 as announced in the state budget.
He further added that NVCC along with FAM started with a single aim to abolish LBT and octroi and over a period during the agitation aim shifted to 4As that are amnesty , abolition, alternative and assessment. He further said the chief minister has given assurance of abolition, alternative to Vat as desired and as announced in state budget 2015 and amnesty. “We are further hopeful that assessment harassments being faced by traders will also be stopped and final relief to traders will be granted from draconian LBT. The positivity of state government is also a step towards tax reforms and ease of doing business in state shall give boost to ‘ Make in Maharashtra’ initiative of state government.
He said announcement of amnesty scheme is a historic announcement and credit goes to traders for displaying their unity and patience and supporting their leaders in respective corporations to have achieved the said objective.
NVCC president Mayur Panchmatiya while welcoming the announcement said it is a general feeling amongst traders that they have voted for a trust worthy government in state and by this announcement the otherwise shaken confidence of the trading community has been restored.
