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The state government today pressed for a uniform VAT (value added tax) rate on all agricultural products in the interest of consumers and traders.
The demand was raised today by the state at the meeting of the empowered committee of state finance ministers held in Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala).
"We feel that there should be a uniform VAT rate on pulses, wheat and wheat products for all states. Our finance minister has already written to the chairman of empowered committee of finance ministers in this connection," said an official source.
Presently, Odisha is levying VAT at the rate of five per cent on these commodities as per the recommendations of the empowered committee.
Apart from uniform VAT rate, Odisha also revisited its demand for swift release of CST (central sales tax) compensation. "The state had raised a claim of Rs 1,885.78 crore compensation against reduction in CST rate for the period between 2007-08 and 2010-11. Against this claim, the Centre has released Rs 1,626.58 crore. We have also demanded Rs 2,834 crore compensation from 2011-12 to 2013-14. The state government has urged that the CST dues be released soon," the official said.
