BANGALORE: Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda has claimed that resource mobilisation in transport and commercial tax sectors have been satisfactory as there is likely to be an increase in the revenue.
“The increase in tax collection in transport and commercial taxes are expected to be by 14 per cent and 18 per cent, respectively,” he told reporters here on Tuesday. He added that this was more or less achieving the target fixed during the commencement of the financial year.
According to the CM, the meeting with various organisations was essentially to seek their opinions on different subjects before finalising the budget. “The opinion expressed by these organisations will be examined while preparing the budget. It was not discussion per se,” Gowda added.
He held discussions with the officials of four departments - excise, commercial taxes, stamps and registration and transport.
“As many as 19 to 20 departments are with me and hence it is sufficient for me and the finance secretary to discuss,” the chief minister said, when asked why many ministers are not to be seen in the pre-budget exercise. Three of the four subjects that were discussed on Tuesday are part of the finance portfolio, which is held by the chief minister.
“Transport Minister R Ashok had obtained permission from me to participate in a function at Chitradurga.”
“You can expect a good budget. Don’t ask anything else. Wait until its presentation to know whether I have imposed taxes.”