Nine days after removing toll posts, J&K admin forms panel to assess economic impact

ZT News Network

Srinagar: Barely nine days after abolishing toll tax on entry and exit of certain goods to and from Jammu & Kashmir, the LG administration on Thursday constituted a Committee to assess the impact on local industry, post abolition of the Toll Tax.

“Sanction is hereby accorded to the constitution of a Committee to assess the impact on local industry, after abolition of Toll Post Lakhanpur and all other minor inter-state Toll Posts and Toll Posts established at Railway Stations and Airports,” reads the order issued by General Administration Department.

The committee will be headed by Advisor, KK Sharma as its Chairman whereas Financial Commissioner, Finance Department, Commissioner/Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department, Excise Commissioner, J&K and any other member, as may be co-opted by the Committee will be its Members.

The Committee shall interact with stakeholders and suggest measures to improve the competitiveness of local industry and it shall be serviced by the Finance Department and shall submit its report to the Government within one month.

On the eve of new year, J&K administration had issued orders announcing the toll taxes in the state.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 4 of the Jammu and Kashmir Levy of Tolls Act, the government of Jammu and Kashmir hereby directs that the toll post set uyp at Lakhanpur, district Kathua under the provisions of the Act, shall cease to operate with effect from January 1, 2020,” Financial Commissioner Arun Kumar Mehta said in the notification.