TN Bills for effective audit, ombudsman in local bodies

Two bills were introduced in Tamil Nadu Assembly to provide for an effective audit system in local authorities and establishment of an ombudsman to probe allegations against elected members of local bodies in line with the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission and state Finance Commission.
The bill on audit system "is to ensure transparency in the functioning of the local authorities and other bodies or institutions and funds established by the State governemnt," the statement of objects and reasons to the Bill said.
The ombudsman was being set up "to enquire into complaints of corruption and maladminstration against the functionaries of local bodies, elected members and officials and to recommend suitable action or pass appropriate orders."

The bill also seeks to replace the Tamil Nadu Local Bodies Ombudsman Ordinance, 2014, promulgated on November 12 this year by the government after it accepted the recommendation.
Another bill was also laid today to further amend the Tamil Nadu VAT Act 2006. It intends giving effect to a decision to adopt a single rate of tax at 220 per cent for the Indian Made Foreign Spirit on value addition at second point of sale in the state.
Among other things, the Bill, when adopted, will formalise an increase in tax on tobacco products from 20 to 30 per cent.

Also, it will give effect to a decision to levy tax at five per cent (effective November 1, 2014) on sugar of all kinds with provision to avail input tax credit on purchases and to dispense with the levy of purchase tax on sugarcane.
The Bills are likely to be adopted on December 8 after which the short-duration assembly session is likely to be adjourned sine die.