After uproar from Opposition and traders over additional tax, the government Thursday rolled back additional tax on hosiery, readymade garments, cell phones and 5 per cent Aviation Fuel required for pilgrim tourism.However, the traders in the state are persistent with their strike call on Saturday.“We are demanding roll back of the tax on aviation fuel. But the government has announced roll back for helicopter services that are used for pilgrims who visit religious places,” KCCI President Mushtaq Wani told KNS.“Our demand is to roll back the tax for aviation fuel as it will hit tourism industry,” he said, adding, “Our strike call stands by now. We will call a meeting on Friday to discuss the issue further,” he said.
Finance Minister Dr Haseeb Drabu while announcing the rollback said that change in tax tariff on aviation fuel will not hit the tourism industry in the state as aircrafts usually fly with full tanks from Delhi only.The government had proposed 5 per cent increase in tax in aviation fuel from 20 to 25 per cent. But after uproar today Drabu announced rolling back of the 5 per cent tax on helicopter services to religious pilgrimage.Opposition NC, Congress and traders have demanded rolling back the levy on aviation fuel as they said it will increase airfare which will dissuade visitors to Kashmir.“There is no relationship in airfare and aviation levy,” Drabu said. However, Congress leader Nawang Rigzin Jora retorted, saying that “certainly it will impact”. (KNS)