The Hindu : New Delhi News : Budget shows concern for all: Sheila

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Saturday, Jul 24, 2004

New Delhi

New Delhi

Budget shows concern for all: Sheila

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, JULY 23. Unperturbed by strong protests from automobile manufacturers, the Delhi Chief Minister, Sheila Dikshit, today said the budget presented by the Finance Minister, A.K. Walia, in the State Assembly on Thursday had a certain message for one and all. "It highlights the concern of the Delhi Government regarding environment with emphasis on keeping Delhi's air clean. The relief to various sections including senior citizens and patients consuming life-saving drugs was also an important part of the budget."

"This is a budget with a message that we will not give up the fight against pollution. We are committed to provide clean air and maintain the ecological balance by taking all corrective measures. The additional 2 per cent tax on non-transport private diesel vehicles is aimed at discouraging the use of such vehicles and encouraging people to shift to public transport system,'' she remarked.

Asserting that the new road tax regime was something that should have happened long ago, Ms. Dikshit said all the noise about increase in the tax liability was meaningless. Those who can afford to buy a Rs. 22 lakh vehicle should not hesitate to pay a few thousands more as road tax. The decision to raise the prices of diesel was taken to keep Delhi in tune with other States and honour the uniform sales tax policy in practice all over the country. Such a marginal increase is unlikely to have an impact on the essential commodities. She pointed out that that diesel rates in Delhi were much less than those prevailing in the neighbouring States and far below those in South Indian States.

At the same time, Ms. Dikshit said Delhi and its citizens were paying for pollution caused by inter-State commercial vehicles, which has to stop. The proposal in this regard for imposition of entry tax on such polluting vehicles, especially diesel, was being considered by the Delhi Government. All those who violate the emission norms and cause pollution while passing through the Capital have to share the cost for the fight against pollution. This new levy is being worked out to discourage such vehicles from entering the Capital.

Ms. Dikshit said the budget had also shown concern for the senior citizens and the destitute women. The various incentives announced for the senior citizens conveys our concern for this elderly group and the need to keep their welfare in mind. At the same time, it was for the first time that destitute women were being provided with a dole by the Government to take care of their basic needs. Similarly she said the various exemptions granted to medicines for those suffering from long and chronic diseases indicated the concern of the Delhi Government for their welfare while sending out a message that we care for them. The budget, he said, had also removed certain discrepancies with regard to taxation of some commodities whose misuse was taking place.

On the other hand, Ms. Dikshit said that the fiscal deficit had been kept at 3.22 per cent much below that of the neighbouring States of 4.7 per cent and that of the Central Government 5.4 per cent. Certain steps would be initiated to keep a check on non-Plan expenditure and also ensure that resource mobilisation is done properly.

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