PUDUCHERRY: Congress MLA E Valsaraj on Friday urged the government to form a cyber crime cell manned by technically competent individuals to crack online crimes.
The Mahe MLA placed the demand during a discussion in the assembly on the demands for grants for the year of 2014-2015. Citing the recent Facebook post of a conversation between two members of the House without their knowledge, he said cyber crimes were on the rise.
Meanwhile, on the Budget, which indicated an annual growth rate of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Puducherry to 25.6% over the previous year, he said the figure did not appear to reflect the correct position. The fiscal deficit percentage of the State’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is assessed at 7 per cent and the UT has been included among the other four States with highest fiscal deficit, he added.
The Tax revenue of the UT in 2012-2013 was `1917.20 crore and in 2013-2014 it was `1915.20 crore. Thus indicating a shortfall in revenue receipts by `2.10 crore. With less tax revenue, the GSDP could not increase, Valsaraj contended.
Again, the actual tax revenue realised in the current year for 3 months was only `446.74 crore. However, the trend of actual tax revenue in the current year is only `148 crore per month. This is also a negative growth rate, the Congress MLA added. “In such a position of tax revenue receipts it may not increase by 22.6% of the previous year as indicated. Larger States of Tamil Nadu and Kerala have registered a growth rate of 12.82% and 16.97% respectively, this negative trend of the financial position is highly dangerous and needs to be addressed,” Valsaraj said.