Punjab abolishes VAT on rice bran and husk

CHANDIGARH - Giving relief to the rice millers of the state, the Punjab government Saturday decided to abolish VAT (value added tax) on rice bran and husk.

“The Punjab rice millers’ association was pursuing the issue of abolition of VAT on rice bran and husk continuously for the last many months. Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has given this approval today (Saturday), while presiding over a meeting of Traders Board, an official spokesman said here.

“Besides, Badal has also given nod to reduce the rate of VAT on pulses from 4 to 1 percent and directed the excise and taxation department to issue the required notifications in this regard at the earliest. VAT on famous Punjabi jutti (shoe) has also been abolished,” he added.

Badal has also directed the authorities to constitute a four-member committee, comprising two members each from Medium Industry Development Board (MIDB) and excise and taxation department to take up the issues related to VAT evasion in the state.