Date:04/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/04/stories/2008040455971000.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Tractor owners seek cut in entry tax

Staff Reporter

ANANTAPUR: Owners of tractors transporting farm produce, construction material and others into the town on Thursday staged a protest in front of the chambers of Commissioner of Anantapur Municipal Corporation (AMC) demanding withdrawal of entry tax on their vehicles.

Led by TDP leaders, several tractor owners from villages surrounding the district headquarters town put forward their demand before Commissioner B. Nagabhushanam, who explained to them that entry tax of Rs. 17 per tractor with load was decided by the council of the civic body and the subject was not in his purview. He suggested them to represent their grievance to the Mayor.

About 1,000 tractors bring agriculture produce and other materials into the town. Only minimal tax was being levied on them as the contractors of entry tax were getting the contracts for minimal amounts. However, the successful contractor this year got it for an annual payment of Rs. 63 lakh to the civic body.