Tax collection teams set up in Uttarakhand

The Uttarakhand cabinet on Friday decided to set up mobile teams for collection of commercial tax and computerise Public Distribution System (PDS) in the hill state.

After a meeting of the state cabinet held here, chief secretary Subash Kumar said the existing 22 check posts at inter-state borders would be completely phased out by April 2012 and instead mobile teams would be set up. “The mobile teams will help us in improving surveillance and ease congestion at inter-state borders, Kumar said.

The existing staff meant for the check posts will be adjusted in the new system. The mobile team members would be provided with GPS-based hand held devices for tracking the activities of the freight carriers, said Kumar.

Out of the 22 border check posts, 16 are located at the inter-state border and six at railway stations.

Kumar said in pursuance of the High Court order, consumer-friendly reforms would be initiated in the PDS system. The entire PDS system would undergo computerisation beginning from the Fair Price shop to ending bogus ration cards.

The entire process would be started in two stages from January 31 next year and the second stage from April 30. The exercise is expected to cost around Rs 20 crore. “We are also hoping that the central government would provide funds in this regard,” he said.

In another decision, the cabinet also approved the hike in pension for workers by bringing amendment in the rules and regulations of Building and other Workers Construction Act.

Now, the workers in the age group of 18-60 years and the disabled would receive a monthly pension of Rs 500. Earlier, the workers were entitled for a pension of Rs 150 per month. A separate fund of Rs 9.15 crore for the welfare of workers has already been set up.