No new taxes in budget, but looking at better collection: Punjab finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema

CHANDIGARH: Punjab finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Thursday promised that no new taxes will be imposed in the forthcoming budget for 2022-23. However, the state government has urged the Centre to continue with the GST compensation beyond June.
Addressing a press conference, Cheema said, "We have taken up the issue with the Centre that the Rs 16,000 crore compensation should continue until the state is able to make alternative arrangements. We have written letters and will also raise the issue in the GST Council... Ultimately, the states will have to stand on their own feet, and we will work in that direction."
Replying to a question on a possible hike in the value-added tax (VAT) on fuel, Cheema said people will not be burdened with any new taxes and the AAP government was looking at increasing its tax collection instead.
After Centre's move to stop funding to Punjab and other states, Punjab's fiscal deficit is likely to increase by Rs 16,000 to Rs 18,000 crore annually from next year.
Cheema said the AAP government has decided to make it a 'Janta Budget' this time by inviting suggestions from the general public. "Over 20,000 responses were received on the portal of the finance department besides the over 500 memorandum handed over by individuals and organisations during the public contact programmes in different cities. A total of 4,055 suggestions have been received from women, who otherwise play a crucial role in their household budget," he said.
People from Ludhiana and Patiala have contributed 10% each of the total suggestions while Fazilka gave 8.14 %, Bathinda 6%. "Over 45.42 % of the responses have been received from those in the 31-40 age group and 16.77% from those aged 22-30. People in the 48-50 years bracket have given 29.33% suggestions while those above 50 years have given 6.85% inputs."
Mentioning some of the proposals, Cheema said the industry is seeking better infrastructure, business-friendly environment, end to inspector Raj, simplification of rules and better enforcement, reforms in power sector, while women have demanded better education and health facilities as well as equal opportunities for everyone.
The state's youth have sought more jobs, better education, e-governance and more libraries; farmers have sought ways for increasing their income, push to diversification and introduction of new technology, while farm labourers want lodging in the cities and a separate budget head.
He added that many people have also underlined the need to help them tide over their debt and ways to increase per capita income. "People have also appreciated the incentive to farmers to opt for DSR technology," he said.
The finance minister announced that the AAP government will fulfil all its pre-poll guarantees during its term.