Gujarat Minister of state for Home and Transport Anilbhai A. Shah informed there were some hurdles in introducing VAT in the state. We have talked to the Centre on these issues and decided to introduce the new tax regime before March.
Industrialized state Gujarat would introduce value added tax in the state by March 2006.
He said the state has held talks with the Union Finance Minister, which helped in sorting out the pending issues related to introduction of VAT there.
Speaking at an interactive session, organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce, Shah said the state offered top class infrastructure and administrative support for investors to set up shops.
A major initiative by the government under the Vibrant Gujarat programme has attracted over Rs 1 lakh crore investments since 2003.
Shah also invited a delegation of ICC to Gujarat, saying "I can assure you of providing best infrastructure and administrative support among all the states in Gujarat".
"The state commands over 16 per cent of total industrial investment of the country and 30 per cent of India's exports," Shah said.
The Minister, said the state, while providing class infrastructural facilities, was against offering tax benefits to lure investments.
While declining to comment on the recovery of several skulls near Godhra, stated to be those of the riot victims, he said "post-mortem of each of those skulls have been done. The court cases on the riots are on and these reports are part of those cases".
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