Date:18/08/2002 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2002/08/18/stories/2002081805030100.htm

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Govt. staff may get back LTC

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI Aug. 17. The Union Finance Minister, Jaswant Singh, today gave a clear indication that the leave travel concession (LTC) for Government employees may be restored.

It had been suspended two years ago as part of an austerity drive, and the move to restore it has much to do with next year's Assembly polls.

Mr. Singh told the political conference of the BJP Delhi unit, meant to launch the party's campaign, that consultations were on with the States on restoring the LTC. He said if the Centre took steps in this direction, it would have a direct impact on the State Governments.

Though he declined to give any definite commitment on the timing of the decision, he referred to the common phrase "watch this space''.

"All I can say is that you should watch this space and see what happens'', he said.

On the need for simplifying tax issues for the common man, Mr. Singh said the Government was taking steps to reform both direct and indirect taxes for which two separate task forces were being set up. They would both release their recommendations within 90 days, he said.

A third task force would also be set up to simplify tax and this one would be asked to complete its work within 45 days.

In response to a demand by the Delhi unit president, Madan Lal Khurana, that the interests of the trading community and salaried class should be taken care of, he said the Government was taking all steps in this direction.