Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis with PM Narendra Modi. (Source: PTI) Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis with PM Narendra Modi. (Source: PTI)

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has urged the state government to impose heavy taxes on liquor and cigarette in the budget 2015-16 in Maharashtra. The state budget session will commence on March 9.

On February 2, Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar sent a letter to the state BJP inviting suggestions for the budget. In his letter, the minister said, “The state is reeling under a massive debt of Rs 3.4 lakh crores. Almost 23,000 crore is incurred as interest payment. In the backdrop of such financial constraints the government is preparing the budget.”

Mungatiwar said, “The party should provide inputs on how to mobilise more revenue, public welfare schemes and curtailing the expenditure.”

A 12-member BJP team held its preliminary meeting to provide the suggestions which ranged from reducing the stamp duties registration to provide relief to those renting or purchasing properties and imposing heavy taxes on liquor and cigarette.

The draft proposal which have been prepared also recommended allocation of 20 per cent funds from government for construction of women toilets in Mumbai and rest of state.

Maharashtra BJP secretary Mukund Kulkarni said, “We are extremely pleased to receive the letter from the finance minister who has elicited views from us on three aspects related to budget. The suggestions sought relates to how to mobilise funds, cut expenditure and public welfare schemes.”

The BJP urged the ministry to ensure that liquor container should be minimum of one litre and cigarette packet of 20 sticks to dissuade easy and less expenditure on buying of liquor and cigarettes. The party believes liquor in small quantity (smaller bottles) often invites larger consumer as it does not cost much to acquire in smaller quantity. The logic stated is to make cigarattee and liquor buying more expensive and difficult for people.

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