Date:29/09/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/09/29/stories/2004092900080800.htm

Back Facilitating VAT

This refers to "Invoke Article 307 to facilitate authority for VAT: Assocham" (Business Line, September 28).

As rightly suggested by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India(Assocham), it is imperative that an independent constitutional authority be set up immediately to enforce the concept of `common market' and facilitate introduction of VAT.

While the entire world is heading towards a free market economy, it will be unwise for India to allow too many trade barriers across the States.

The very purpose of introducing VAT is to create a true unified domestic common market in the country.

Thus, the VAT council, if set up, will strength the VAT system and facilitate realisation of the objectives of VAT.

The Task Force on Direct and Indirect Taxes, headed by Dr Vijay Kelkar, had also recommended such a constitutional body under Article 307 of the Constitution.

C. Ramesh

Keeramangalam (TN)

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