Need simpler tax regime for better convenience to biz:J&K govt

Jammu and Kashmir Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu today asked the Finance Department officials to move towards a simpler taxation regime in the state to curb inconvenience caused to traders even as he stressed the need for increasing the tax base.
"Shift towards a simpler taxation process which shall reduce inconvenience faced by traders and also increase the tax base," Drabu told officials at a review meeting with regard to computerisation project being implemented by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
The I-T preparedness of the state for implementing Goods and Services Tax (GST) was also reviewed in the meeting.

The minister ordered upgradation of hardware at check posts particularly at Lakhanpur in order to reduce clearance time for passing vehicles.
"Devise a mechanism wherein vehicles shall pay their dues in advance and at Lakhanpur Toll Post they shall be allowed to pass unhindered after being identified by the scanners, so that the process involves minimal human interference," Drabu said, adding it shall reduce chances of corruption and will also help increase service effectiveness at the toll post.
The minister said the government is exploring newer ways to privatise the vital check-post at Lakhanpur.
"If tomorrow somebody approaches us with a proposal of Rs 800 crore which is worth its total revenue, we will have no objection in handing over it to them for a period of one year. It will increase the efficiency of the system and free the resources of the department. The department can then invest its energy in other things like mobile check posts and other regulatory work," the minister said.