Jammu and Kashmir government today said some political parties were trying to communalise the service tax imposed on commercial helicopter services as the the levy was also charged on cable car and ropeway services in the state.
"Service Tax is also being charged on ropeways and cable car services, which carry tourists and pilgrims to not only tourist resorts but also to some revered shrines in Kashmir valley," Finance Minister Haseeb A Drabu said.
Drabu was apparently reacting to Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi who had termed the service tax on commercial helicopter services in the state as a 'Jizya' tax.
Former Chief Minister and opposition National Conference president Omar Abdullah had also said the tax will be imposed on Amarnath and Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims who travel by choppers.
"Will only apply to Vaishno Devi & Amarnath yatris because there are no other commercial operations in the state," Omar had tweeted yesterday.
Drabu had yesterday said the Service Tax proposed to be levied by the State Government is applicable to all commercial helicopter services operating in Jammu and Kashmir.
"There is no question of charging such a tax on a particular route," Drabu said adding "Similar tax is being imposed on chopper services ferrying tourists to exotic spots like Gulmarg and Pahalgam."
Drabu said levying of service tax only adds Rs 130 to the cost of the chopper ticket on any route in Jammu and Kashmir.
Drabu expressed dismay over the reckless and provocative remarks of some political parties on the issue.
He accused these political parties of trying to communalise a simple administrative order applicable throughout the State.
