Taxi operators in Ludhiana oppose Union govt’s proposal to raise tax and permit fees

The private taxi operators in Ludhiana are opposing the proposal of the Union government to raise the tax and permit fees of the All India Tourist Permit. The Union government has sought objections and suggestions from state governments on the draft within 30 days.

Azad Taxi Union Punjab president Sharanjit Singh Kalsi said according to the new draft, 1–4 seater vehicles will have to pay ₹20,000 tax, along with ₹6,000 permit fee per year, while vehicles with 5–9 seats will have to pay ₹30,000 tax and ₹9,000 permit fee per year. “Along with this, 10-22 seater vehicles will have to pay ₹80,000 tax and ₹24,000 permit fee per year. Vehicles with over 23 seats will have to pay ₹ 3,00,000 tax, along with ₹1,00,000 permit fee per year,” he added.

Kalsi said, “The road transport and highways ministry of India had issued a draft notification GSR 815E on November 11, proposing to create four slabs with very high taxes. The ministry has categorised seats wrongly and proposed high permit fees and taxes. The government should collect tax according to seats for up to 12-seater vehicles.”

Kalsi appealed to the Punjab government to discuss objections with the taxi union and send it to Union government within 30 days.

Kalsi further said, “ The Union ministry had in 2021 amended the All India Tourist Permit Rules (Permits and Authorizations) 1993, which gave the control of tax and the right of permit fees to the Union government. With draft notification GSR 425E, the Union government sought objections and suggestions, but it was not sent by the previous Punjab government, which caused loss to the state exchequer and taxi operators.”

Chairperson-cum-secretary, Transport Punjab, IAS Vikas Garg said, “We will send the suggestions in time.”