Discussion held on financial crisis

By Our Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, JULY 1. Slashing the administrative expenses, travelling, deputation and daily allowances, and restructuring of sales tax are some of the suggestions that came up at the discussion on the financial crisis organised by the Federation of Residents' Association here the other day.

The Government should lift the stay on collection of taxes and initiate legal steps to collect the revenue due from various sources, participants at the discussion said. If the sales tax is restructured, the tendency to shop from the neighbouring States could be curbed. This would help increase the tax flow in the State.

Tax on liquor, cigarettes and other luxuries should be increased. Regarding the bus fare hike, the participants felt that the long-distance fares should be hiked and the minimum fare of city routes should be fixed at Rs. 2. The concessional fare of students can also be increased slightly. Fees should be collected for medical care and education from those who can afford.

The salary of Ministers, MLAs and others should be given in three installments. The allowances of MLAs should not be increased. The participants also wanted the Government to reject the suggestion to raise the retirement age of Government employees.

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Section  : Southern States
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