Nashik traders to oppose octroi revision

The industrial and trade associations in Nashik have opposed the revised octroi rules announced by the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC).

The associations will launch non co-operation movement, opposing the regulation, on September 5.

The organisations opposing the new regulation include, Nashik Industries & Manufacturers' Association (Nima), Ambad Industries & Manufacturers' Association (Aima), Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB), Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture (MACCIA) and Nashik Industrial Co-operative Estate (NICE).

The state government has approved the octroi rules intact as sent by the NMC. The revised octroi rules will come into effect from the midnight of the August 25, 2006.

"Before approving the revised octroi rules at the general body meeting, NMC had invited suggestions from industry and trade bodies. But not a single suggestion has been included in the final draft. It had also assured the associations to take them in confidence before sending the final draft for state government's approval," said Ashok Rajwade, president, Nima.

"The octroi is major issue as it is related to the growth of the trade and industry. But, the final draft of the octroi rules was approved at the general body meeting of NMC in only 30 seconds, without holding discussions," said Dhananjay Bele, president, AIMA.

"There is much difference between the initial and final drafts of the octroi rules. Some clauses have been omitted in the final draft. As per Clause 40 (B) 2 in an initial draft, there was a provision of octroi on imported raw materials from 0.25 per cent to 1.25 per cent. But, this clause has been completely omitted in the final draft and imported raw materials have been classified and 3 per cent octroi have been levied on the imported raw materials," they said.