Central interference will not be tolerated in Punjab, says CM Charanjit Channi

Shivani Bhakoo

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, October 27

Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi here on Wednesday said the Central interference in Punjab would not be tolerated on the issue of BSF movement from 15 km to 50 km.

He said it was the state government’s right to decide on this and the Centre’s intentions were uncalled for.

Demanding the withdrawal of the notification, a special Vidhan Sabha session would be held on November 8, he said, adding that if the notification is not rolled back the state government would move the Supreme Court. “We cannot demoralise Punjab Police”, he said.

Channi said that during this session, focus would also be on withdrawal of the “black farm laws”. If these farm laws are not withdrawn before November 8, the state government would intensify its agitation, he said.

Channi said several industry-friendly decisions had been taken by the Cabinet on Wednesday. He talked about the decisions, including the abolition of institutional tax from Punjab. The CM announced that the VAT assessments of about 40,000 dealers which are of the pre-GST years had also been done away with and now only 8,000 assessees who had a tax demand of more than Rs 1 lakh would be assessed, and that too under the one-time settlement scheme.

Channi said the state government is going to bring one-time settlement scheme for plot holders of Punjab Small Industries Export Corporation who had been imposed enhanced charges on their plots. Besides, change of land use certificate would not be required for setting up industry in approved industrial areas and conditions would be waived for setting up industry in non-industrial areas. Fixed charges applicable on electricity consumption would be waived by 50 per cent for the micro small medium.

Giving respite to the industry in focal points, the CM said that for development of focal points Rs 147 crore would be released. Taxpayers would no more be summoned on petty issues, he said.

An exhibition centre would be set up in Amritsar and a film city would come up in Chandigarh, the CM announced.

He said traders and industry would not be harassed anymore and the inspector raj would be abolished.