KCR meets PM; Seeks IT exemptions for Agri Sector

Hyderabad, April 24 (INN): Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to exempt from the Income Tax, agricultural related and depended trades as is done with the Agriculture Sector. He felt that by giving IT exemption to the trades and professions connected to the Agriculture Sector, people living on these trades will be benefited the most. He wanted an Act to be passed in this regard.

KCR met PM Modi in New Delhi on Monday and had detailed discussions on various issues for about 1 hour and 20 Minutes. He also brought to the notice of the PM several matters pertaining to the Telangana State.

'The entire income generated through agriculture is being exempted from paying IT now. There are several professions; trades solely depended on agriculture sector in the rural villages. Several BC Communities are living on these professions. Sheep rearers, Fishermen, Weavers, washermen, Hairdressers etc, are virtually eking out a living out of their family professions. They are doing highly laborious work and some of them are also in artistic work. Taxing the income that they are getting is not justified. Giving exemption to these professions and trades will help and support these people in a big way. Not only people in these hereditary professions will get help but it also strengthens the rural economy. In our State, we are encouraging sheep rearing, fisheries and other such professions. We have allocated huge funds in the Budget. In future, thousands of crores worth business will take place through these hereditary professions. These people will become economically strong. Such hardworking people should not be taxed,' the Chief Minister opined.

The Chief Minister said that the GST Bill was brought with the slogan, one country one tax. 'We have also accepted it. Ensure that the state's are not at loss due to the GST. Take steps that the State's economy is not adversely affected. State's interests should not suffer. We need more clarity on this. By implementing in the country GST without causing loss to the States will be beneficial to the nation,' the CM explained to the PM on GST.

Speaking about reservations, KCR said that there were several states in the country with each having different social composition. The Constitution has stipulated that SC/STs should be give reservations. In States where SC/ST population percentage is more, the reservations percentage is above 50 per cent.

In the states where there is considerable OBC population, they are asking for reservations to them based on education and economic backwardness of the communities. 69 Per cent of reservations are being implemented in Tamil Nadu. In Telangana State SC/ST/BC/Minorities are more. 'A majority of these communities are poor. There are many communities and castes, which are economically and educationally backward. In order to encourage them, we have passed an Act in the Assembly enhancing their reservation percentage. We need the Centre's approval for this. Similarly, the issue regarding how much percentage of reservation is to be given for education and employment sectors should be left to the discretion of the States,' the CM requested the PM.

'There is a long pending demand in Telangana State for the categorization of the SCs. The demand has support from the people. There is a justice in the demand. Hence, the Centre should respond on the SC Categorisation issue. A Bill in this regard should be introduced in the Parliament,' KCR appealed to the PM.

The Chief Minister also requested the PM to take measures to increase the Legislative Assembly Constituencies in Telangana State based on the AP Re-organisation Act. He also wanted the bifurcation of High Court to be done speedily, release of Rs 1400 Crore funds due from CAMPA from the Centre, recognizing Kaleswaram project as National Project and releasing the funds, handing over Parade Grounds in Secunderabad to the State for the construction of State's Secretariat. The PM has positively responded to each and every issue raised by the CM and assured that he would take action. The discussions took place in a cordial manner with the intention of solving the people's problems. The CM felt that he had a fruitful meeting with the PM.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also met Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad requested him to get approval for the new Land Acquisition Act passed by the TS Assembly. He said that the oustees would get major benefit in short time under the new Act and the construction of projects will also speed up.

The Union Law Minister immediately gave his ministry's approval and assured his ministry's cooperation on the matter. Ravi Shankar Prasad also responded positively on the bifurcation of High Court.