Date:28/08/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/08/28/stories/2005082801530300.htm

Back Bill introduced in LS to extend Punjab VAT Act to Chandigarh

Our Bureau

New Delhi , Aug. 27

THE Union Government has introduced a Bill in the Lok Sabha that seeks to facilitate the extension of the Punjab Value Added Tax Act 2005 to the Union Territory of Chandigarh.

The new Bill — The Punjab General Sales Tax (as in force in the Union Territory of Chandigarh) Repeal Bill 2005 — has been piloted by the Union Home Minister, Mr Shivraj Patil. By virtue of Section 88 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act 1966, the Punjab General Sales Tax Act 1948 is currently applicable to the Union Territory of Chandigarh.

The legislative assembly of the State of Punjab has repealed the Punjab General Sales Tax Act 1948 and has enacted in its place the Punjab Value Added Tax Act 2005, which has come into force in the State of Punjab with effect from April 1, 2005.

To fall in line with the Government's policy of introducing a VAT regime on an all-India basis, it is now proposed to extend the Punjab VAT Act 2005 to the Union Territory of Chandigarh. This would, however, be possible only after the Punjab General Sales Tax Act 1948 as in force in the Union Territory of Chandigarh is repealed.

The State-level VAT has so far been introduced in 23 States and Union Territories. The two Union Territories that have already implemented VAT are Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.