Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 10: Assuring that the new budget would help the local industry besides ensuring the revival of economy, Minister for Finance, Haseeb Drabu today said that it would be a comprehensive one, catering to needs of different sections of the society.
The Minister was interacting with various trade and business associations and federations here today in connection with the pre-budget discussions.
Minister of State for Finance, Pawan Gupta was also present on the occasion.
The Minister said that the Government would act as a facilitator which would ensure that the business and other related activities get a boost. He said that special focus would be on ensuring that the fiscal growth of the State is accelerated and its benefit percolate to every section of the society.
While reacting to the suggestions put forward by various Industry and trade representatives, the Finance Minister assured them that their genuine demands and suggestions will be given due consideration while framing the State budget. “Holding of these types of pre-budget consultations is important in getting the required feedback from various stakeholders besides getting the requisite knowledge and awareness about the problems confronting trade, commerce, industry and other sections of the society”, he maintained.
Principal Secretary Finance, B.B. Vyas, Commissioner Commercial Taxes, Zaffar Ahmad, Commissioner Excise and Taxation, Nirmal Sharma, Additional Commissioner CT, Anu Malhotra, Director Finance, Showkat Ajaz besides Deputy Commissioners and other senior officers were present on the occasion.
Mr. Drabu said Government will always appreciate stakeholders to come forward and appraise about the concessions which need to be given to business community for undertaking their trade smoothly, adding that members of trade industry should cooperate with the Government in increasing the revenue component for the progress, development and prosperity of the state.
Maintaining that the Government would act as a facilitator in simplifying the business regime, the Minister said that the Government would be giving focussed attention to the growth and development of the sector by providing necessary support so that people associated with the trade commerce and industry shall get benefitted resulting in the increase of the revenues and thereby increasing the fiscal health of the State.
The Associations, the Intellectuals, Academia, Agriculturists and Bar Associations while making presentations of their suggestions advocated for taking the measures for the upliftment, progress of the overall economy of the State.
Among others who were present in the pre-budget discussion include Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Jammu, Transporters Association, Jammu, Hotelier Association, Industrial Association, Bari-Brahamna, Kathua-Gangyal, Confederation of Indian Industry, PHD Chamber of Commerce Industry, Institute of Public Opinion, Traders Association Jammu, Jammu Wine Traders Association, Agriculturists, Fruit Growers Association, Poultry Farmers Association, Intellectuals, Academicians, Sales Tax Bar Association.
Follow our WhatsApp channel