Published On : Sat, Jun 9th, 2018

Let traders be relieved from LBT : Dipen Agrawal

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Nagpur: A delegation of Chamber of Associations of Maharashtra Industry & Trade (CAMIT) led by Dipen Agrawal President and Mohan Gurnani Chairman met Smt Manisha Patankar Mhaiskar. Principal Secretary (UD. II), Urban Development. Department (UDD) to discuss issues pertaining to traders from Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) , Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC) & Sangli Municipal Corporation .

Dipen Agrawal, President CAMIT briefed about long pending issue from NMC regarding Effective Date of LBT Corrigendumissued on 06/07/2013. He submitted that the then State Government reduced LBT rates by issuing Corrigendum to pacify the agitating traders and for smooth adaptability of LBT by business community. The title and the language of said Corrigendum makes it explicitly clear that it corrects the rates in original Notification and it is pertinent to note that similar Corrigendum of even date issued for other Municipal Corporations have been given effect from date of implementation of LBT in their respective Corporations.Mahiskar madam acknowledged that there is merits in the submissions and assured to take appropriate decision in the matter after verifying pre-corrigendum rates.

Dipen Agrawal further briefed about the discrimination and harassment faced by industry & traders from TMC. He said that TMC is arbitrarily denying benefits of concessions of erstwhile Octroi extended to LBT by LBT Corrigendum dated 06/07/2013 to new industry and the industries who were not availing the concession. He also informed that Government has declined the request of Muncipal Corporations to further extend the time period for assessment under amnesty scheme but TMC is unlawfully issuing backdated assessment orders in amnesty scheme cases thereby making mockery of governments decision.Mahiskar madam assured the delegation that suitable directions shall be issued in the matter.

He also brought to the notice of the Secretary the plight of traders of sangli who were being forced to face harassment & corruption under the garb of Lbt assessments . Mahaiskar madam after giving a patient hearing released the order to stay recovery proceedings & assessment orders till further notice .

Sandip Parikh & Jimmy Pauly informed that industries are being charged commercial rates for property tax by corporations which is very high & a burden on industry and there is need to have a separate rate of tax for industry in between residential & commercial to which madam agreed & asked CAMIT to submit a written proposal to take it forward .

Mohan Gurnani, Chairman CAMIT appraised Mahiskar madam that while renewing lease of shops/galas KMC is demanding rent on ready reckoner base, which works out to whooping 800% to 1000% increase. Mahiskar madam said that a study will be conducted in the matter and thereafter matter will be discussed .

At the outset Mohan Gurnani welcomed Mahiskar madam with flower bouquet and expressed his gratitude on behalf of CAMIT & traders of state for not granting further time to Municipal Corporations for completing assessment of LBT Returns filed under amnesty scheme.

Sanjay K. Agrawal, and Kirit Panchmatia representing steel and sugar traders respectively from Nagpur, Jimmy Pauly and Sandip Parikh representing TISSA and Ajit Kothari , Baban Mahajan & Sandeep Veer representing shop/gala owners from Kolhapur participated in discussions and deliberated on the issues concerning respective markets. Dipen Agrawal thanked Smt. Manisha Mahiskar, Principal Secretary, UDD-II for patient hearing and addressing the issues promptly & positively in the meeting. He appealed to the secretary to ensure that traders are relieved from the ghost of LBT totally .