The state government has earned Rs 5.92 crore from VAT (value added tax) imposed on sale of gold and silver jewelleries till October in the financial year 2012-13, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi told the assembly.
The same was Rs 3.07 crore in 2011-12, Modi, who is also Finance Minister of the state, said.
Replying to a question raised by Avnish Kumar Singh (BJP), Modi said the sale figure of jewellery to the tune of Rs 1600 crore on a single day on Dhanteras on Diwali eve as published in media was not official.
He said December 15 is the last day for depositing taxes on jewellery sale after which only official figures could be arrived at.
The Finance minister said if somebody was found evading tax on jewellery, strict lawful action would be initiated against them.