Kashmir SSI Unit holders Association demand resumption of Lakhanpur Toll post

Association appeals Governor of j&k for immediate restoration of toll tax levied at toll post, lakhanpur

An emergent meeting of all the Small Scale Industrial Unit Holders and a good number of businessmen from different business communities was held in Srinagar, wherein the serious damages caused to the SSI Unit Holders of J&K as well as other business communities of J&K due to the abolition of toll tax / Toll Post Lakhanpur since 01.01.2020. The members
urged the administration of UT to look into the matter as the decision of abolition of Toll Tax at Lakhanpur has proved highly detrimental not only for the 80% SSI Unit Holders of UT but also for the government. The govemment was earning around 1100 to 1500 Crores rupees at
Lakhanpur Toll Post, hence at present the government exchequer is suffering a loss of around 1100 to 1500 Crores annually. At the time of abolition of said toll tax it was hoped that the common consumer will get relief, but no relief has been provided to the local common consumers and the rates have been touching the sky. The Lakhanpur Toll-Tax was the only
incentive being availed by the SSI Unit Holders of J&K which has been snatched and instead of encouraging and giving relief to local SSI Unit Holders the traders/industrialists of other States are availing the benefits due to said abolition. Furthermore due to the existence of the
Lakhanpur Toll Post all the vehicles moving in and out from the UT of J&K were properly checked by the Excise Department and all kinds of illegal goods, drugs, etc., were used to be seized by the authorities on spot, hence the transportation of illegal goods, etc., was under control, but since the abolition of said toll post all kinds of goods including illegal goods are moving in and out of the UT of J&K freely without any proper checking. The SSI unit holders and members of other business sectors in the said meeting have urged upon the higher authorities to restore the Toll Post Lakhanpur to its previous position, so that the SSI Unit holders and other business sectors of the UT of J&K can survive. The members have appealed to all the concerned to come forward in this regard” Waseem Bazaz told MVK Correspondent.