Patiala MC withdraws proposal to raise trade licence fee

The Municipal Corporation (MC) has withdrawn a contentious proposal of levying increased taxes on traders in the form of licence fee following a protest by councillors.

During an emergency General House meeting convened on Tuesday, BJP councillor and Deputy Leader of Opposition Anuj Khosla and his party councillors staged a protest, donning black attire and holding placards to oppose the corporation’s proposed “anti-trade” policy.

Khosla condemned the proposal for direct tax hike of 20% to 50% on local traders just ahead of Diwali. He argued that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi was providing relief through GST reductions, the ruling AAP was imposing a burden of taxes on traders and businessmen. Khosla asserted that the “black resolution” was a conspiracy to destroy local businesses and force ‘Black Diwali’ on traders. —TNS