Kolkata: CII lauded the Bengal government for demonstrating prudence and humane face in the state Budget 2018-19, presented by Finance minister Amit Mitra at the West Bengal Legislative Assembly on Wednesday.
"While CII congratulates the West Bengal government on its proposal to withdraw cess on tea, remove agricultural income tax for tea gardens and reduce stamp duty by one per cent with regard to the properties valued up to Rs 1 crore, the budgetary provisions to offer Rs 1,000 each to the girls under Project Kanyashree deserves unqualified praise," said Smita Pandit Chakraborty, Chairperson, CII West Bengal State Council and MD, Phoenix Conveyor Belt India (P) Ltd, in a statement, adding "The Manobik Project for the specially-able people with more than 40 percent disability, deserves special mention".
Sanjay Budhia, Managing Director, Patton Group, said "Rupashree and Manobik reflect and reinforce the humane face of our Chief Minister."
"The state Budget presented by Finance & Industry minister Amit Mitra, under the guidance of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, reiterates the continued emphasis on inclusive growth and development both for Agriculture and Industry," he added.
"Reduction of stamp duty in the housing sector, albeit marginally, is expected to support the middle class population of the state, along with giving a boost to the real estate sector. Total exemption of agricultural income tax and cess for the tea gardens should be a great thrust for growth of the ailing tea gardens in the state. Opportunities for inspiring value addition in the agricultural and horticultural sectors through processing and exports seems to have been overlooked," said Sitaram Sharma, president, Bharat Chamber of Commerce.
"Complete exemption of mutation fee for buying land for cultivation and additional exemption of 1 percent for housing projects worth up to Rs 1 crore are indeed praiseworthy," Sharma felt.
Ramesh Agarwal, president, Merchants' Chamber of Commerce and Industry, lauded the Budget placed by Amit Mitra, which lays focus on agriculture and education apart from the other social sectors.