BBMP’s revised trade licence extra burden: Industrialists

BBMP’s revised trade licence extra burden: Industrialists
DH News Service Bangalore:
"Unless the employees are looked after properly, they will not remain in the industry. When we are taking care of their welfare and there is already an ESI hospital to provide health care for employees, why is the Palike asking industries to pay for their health care through health trade licence," said former chairman of FKCCI J Crasta.

Industrialists and office-bearers of the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) on Thursday termed the BBMP’s introduction of revised trade licence as additional burden on industrialists.

Taking part in an interactive session with BBMP deputy commissioner (tax and commerce), U A Vasantha Rao, former chairman of FKCCI J Crasta said there is no logic in bringing small-scale industries under the health trade chapter. “Unless the employees are looked after properly, they will not remain in the industry. When we are taking care of their welfare and there is already an ESI hospital to provide health care for employees, why is the Palike asking industries to pay for their health care through health trade licence,” he asked.

The burden upon the industries, who have already been paying many other taxes, will be further increased, he added.

KASSIA treasurer Anand opposed the fee imposed by the Palike for trade licence on power consumed by industries. The industrialists demanded that burden upon them be reduced by exemption from trade licence.

Replying to the industrialists, Mr Rao said that the trade licence has been revised with the intention of providing better health care facilities to the public. The traders will get back the fee they pay in a different way. “There is a difference between fee and tax. The fee amount will be used to provide professional training for hotel employees. Similarly, the Palike will provide basic amenities such as better drinking water facilities, public toilets for employees of industries and members of the public,” he said.



RESIDENTS stage PROTEST

Residents of Puttenahalli, Vinayaka Nagar, Sarakki kere, Jaraganahalli and surrounding localities took out a protest rally on Thursday from Konanakunte Cross to BBMP sub-division office in Bommanahalli, demanding proper supply of drinking water.

Hundreds of residents took part in the protest with pots and pans under the banner of the Uttarahalli Block Congress Committee. Former minister Ramalinga Reddy, who led the protest, alleged that the Palike administration has completely failed in its duty to supply drinking water properly.

He also criticised the State government for auctioning government land. “The Government should retain land and utilise it for providing basic amenities to the public,” he said.

The protesters later submitted a memorandum to the Palike.