Shimla, June 3 (). BJP MLA Randhir Sharma has raised serious questions on the state government regarding ‘Khalsa Tax’. He said that if any kind of illegal tax is being collected on the Punjab-Himachal border, then the government should immediately take cognizance of it and take strict action. He also demanded to keep private vehicles and tourist vehicles out of entry tax.
He also clarified that to his knowledge there is no official confirmation of any such Khalsa tax, but there are continuous protests and demonstrations taking place in the border area. According to him, ever since the entry tax has been increased, the local people have been continuously agitating. Recently also demonstrations have been seen on this issue.
Randhir Sharma said that the government should take this entire matter seriously and first of all the increase in entry tax should be immediately withdrawn. He said that this decision is not in the interest of both the public and tourism.
He said that private vehicles and tourist vehicles should be kept out of entry tax. He says that if this is done then tourism will get a boost in Himachal Pradesh. This will not only increase the number of tourists, but will also increase employment opportunities at the local level and strengthen the economic condition of the state.
He also said that due to entry tax, common people are facing a lot of problems, especially the people living in border areas. Many times they have to cross the border repeatedly, which increases both additional expenses and time. Even registered vehicles in Punjab have to pay tax many times, due to which there is resentment among the local people.
Randhir Sharma said that if any relative or common traveler comes to Himachal from Punjab, he also has to face problems due to entry tax. In such a situation, it is important that the government takes decisions in the interest of the common people and tourists and gives tax relief to private vehicles.
He also said that in view of the ongoing movement on this issue, Himachal and Punjab governments should hold mutual talks so that the situation remains calm and no violence or tension arises.
The MLA also targeted the Chief Minister and said that the government had assured in the Assembly that the entry tax on small vehicles will remain Rs 70 as before, but in the notification issued later, it was increased to Rs 100. According to him, if the government had stuck to its promise then perhaps this movement would not have been seen today.
He said that amidst the ever increasing protests, the demand is now being raised that the entry tax should be abolished completely. However, he personally believes that at least private and tourist vehicles should be kept out of it.
Randhir Sharma also mentioned the impact on tourism. He said that due to both toll barriers and entry tax in border areas, there is often long traffic jam. Many times tourists have to remain stuck in traffic not just for one hour, but for two hours.
He said that the tourists who come to enjoy the cool valleys of tourist places like Manali to escape the heat, have to face problems on the way. Families traveling with children face the most problems. Because of this, many tourists shy away from coming again, which is not a good sign for the state’s tourism industry.
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PIM/DKP
