Srinagar, June 30 (KNS): Citing severe losses to SSI Unit Holders, business class and government exchequer due to abolition of Lakhanpur toll tax since January 2020, Kashmir Small Scale Industrial Unit Holders Association on Tuesday appealed Lieutenant Governor led administration to restore the toll tax location on erstwhile position.
According to statement issued to Kashmir News Service (KNS), spokesperson of KSSIUHA stated that an emergency meeting of the association including several businessmen was held wherein serious damages caused to SSI Unit Holders of J&K as well as other business communities due to abolition of toll tax at toll plaza Lakhanpur since January 1, 2020 was discussed thoroughly.
He said, the members urged the UT administration to look into the matter as the decision of abolition of Toll Tax at Lakhanpur has proved highly detrimental not only for the 80% SSI Unit Holders of UT but also for the government.
“The government was earning around 1100 to 1500 crore rupees at Lakhanpur Toll Post, hence at present the government exchequer is suffering a loss of around 1100 to 1500 crores annually. At the time of abolition of said toll tax it was hoped that the common consumer will get relief, but no relief has been provided to local populace and the rates have been touching the sky”, spokesperson said.
He said the Lakhanpur Toll Plaza was the only incentive being availed by the SSI Unit Holders of J&K which has been snatched and instead of encouraging and giving relief to local SSI Unit Holders, the traders/industrialists of other States are availing the benefits due to said abolition.
“Further more due to the existence of the Lakhanpur Toll Post all the vehicles moving in and out from the UT of J&K were properly checked by the Excise Department and all kinds of illegal goods, drugs, etc., were used to be seized by the authorities on spot, hence the transportation of illegal goods, etc, was under control, but since the abolition of said toll post all kinds of goods including illegal are moving in and out of the UT of J&K freely without any proper checking”, spokesperson said.
He said, during the meeting, the SSl Unit Holders and members of other business sectors urged upon the higher authorities to restore the Toll Post Lakhanpur to its erstwhile position so that the SSI Unit Holders and other business sectors of the UT of J&K can survive. (KNS)