Chavan urges traders to stop misleading people over LBT

Amid stand-off between Maharashtra government and traders on Local Body Tax, Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan today appealed those opposing the tax to stop misleading people on the issue and said a decision on its implementation here would be taken in the State Legislature.
"As an alternative to the Octroi, the general body of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) agreed for the implementation of LBT. A budgetary provision in this regard was also made by the civic body. The traders by suddenly opposing the LBT have held the people for ransom," Chavan said in statement here.
"Even if the decision to implement LBT in Mumbai would be taken in the State Legislature, some traders are misleading the people on the issue," he added.

Chavan said there is a discussion among people that traders should continue with their business and must not politicise the issue.
The state government is striving to implement the LBT from October 1, 2013. The BMC after taking opinion of all the political parties has said that it will help in enhancing the "business friendly" image of Mumbai, the statement said.
"LBT has not been implemented in Mumbai. If it has to be implemented provisions will have to be done in the law. The provision in the law will be done in the State Legislature.
"The policy of the government is to step forward by discussing the issue with traders association. But the traders should not harrass the people and an amicable solution to it should be found," it said.