Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 8: The Finance Department today made it clear that the Service Tax proposed to be levied by the State Government is applicable to all commercial helicopter services operating in Jammu and Kashmir.
Commenting on the issue, Finance Minister, Dr Haseeb Drabu said Service Tax is also being charged on ropeways and cable car services, which carry tourists and pilgrims to not only tourist resorts but also to some revered shrines in Kashmir valley. “There is no question of charging such a tax on a particular route,” he said.
“Similar tax is being imposed on chopper services ferrying tourists to exotic spots like Gulmarg and Pahalgam,” he said.
Drabu said levying of service tax only adds Rs 130 to the cost of the chopper ticket on any route in Jammu and Kashmir ticket.
The Minister expressed dismay over the reckless and provocative remarks of some political parties on the issue, whom he accused of trying to communalize a simple administrative order applicable throughout the State.
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