Commercial Taxes Revenue Up in TS

HYDERABAD: Commercial taxes minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav on Tuesday announced in the Assembly that the income from commercial taxes is on the rise after the formation of Telangana State.

Answering a question during Question Hour in the Assembly, Srininas Yadav said revenue from commercial taxes in Telangana was about Rs 18,000 crore before bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. But after the formation of new state, the revenue has increased significantly.

As against the estimates of Rs 27,777.92 crore in 2014-15, the revenue receipts were Rs 22,949.14 crore. Similarly, as against the estimates of Rs 33,497 crore for 2015-16, revenue receipts were Rs 27,868.68 crore up to February this year. This figure is likely to increase as the financial year is yet to close, Srinivas Yadav added.
The minister said several steps were taken for effective collection of commercial taxes. They include modernisation of checkposts, invoice tracking of purchases and sales data of the business, strengthening of enforcement activities and filling vacancies in the department.

Integrated checkposts have been set up in Adilabad and Nizamabad districts. As against earlier seven checkposts, 14 checkposts have been set up for effective collection of taxes. Enforcement wing and checkposts are being strengthened with modern technology, he said. Srinivas Yadav said a high-level committee, led by the chief secretary has been constituted with officials from civil supplies, forest and excise departments to suggest measures to increase the revenues.

HELI TOURISM: Tourism minister Azmera Chandulal said the “Joy Rides in Helicopter” which was launched in Hyderabad recently would be resumed based on the demand and services would be made permanent.

He said that the Joy Ride in Helicopter service was discontinued after one week of operation because there was no permanent helipad and other infrastructure.

Answering questions raised by E Ravinder Reddy and others, Chandulal said the tourism department has identified various places which would be developed as tourist spots like Yadagirigutta in Nalgonda.

To another question, he said the state government gave jobs to artists recognising their efforts in achieving separate Telangana state.