Octroi removal by Jan '08

In the latest development which might invite the ire of the trading community in Gujarat, the octroi removal is likely to be implemented by January 1, 2008.

Sources in the government said that the Election Commission (EC) has indicated a shift in the date of octroi removal in the state from November 15 this year to January 1, 2008.

It is also learnt the EC has denied any adverse effects of the shift in the octroi removal date. The commission feels the move will most-likely be welcomed by the trading community in the state.

Meanwhile, Gujarat has submitted its report on octroi to the commission which has been forwarded to the Chief Election Commissioner.

The EC had recently announced the code of conduct being imposed in the state which barred the state government from taking any decision prior to the announcement of election dates. The code of conduct has raised a question on the status of octroi removal decision of the government.

The octroi removal had become a major issue for the ruling party BJP's future and the state government had declared that the octroi will be removed from November 15 on 'Labh Panchami'.

Many believed that it was a desperate measure taken by the ruling party BJP to appease agitating traders. Moreover, an amendment bill was also passed during the last assembly elections deleting the term octroi.