To curb revenue loss, govt may open vends in green zones

Or Vends in green zones likely to be opened

Ruchika M Khanna

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 13

Opening of liquor shops and reviving government services in cities that have no case of Covid-19 is on the cards. The state government could also cut down on its salary bill, at least at the top, as a temporary measure.

The state’s income since March 22 (the day the curfew began) has been almost negligible, but the spending has increased manifold. With the Centre still owing Rs 4,000 crore to Punjab as GST dues, and the tax realisation from purchase of wheat delayed this year, the fiscal condition is not too bright.

A meeting of the Cabinet sub-committee on fiscal management is scheduled for Wednesday, where certain financial measures to reduce the economic cost of the pandemic are to be discussed.

A government functionary said the opening of liquor vends, especially in areas not affected by the pandemic (green zones), was on top of the agenda. “But this will be done in case the Centre announces relaxations in retail businesses in green zones on Tuesday. This will help us immediately get our excise revenue,” said the official.

A Excise and Taxation official said the government was aware of certain liquor licencees selling the stocks on the sly even during the curfew. “But our estimate is that it will lead to just 15 per cent of the stock being sold. It is only when he replenishes his stocks that the state earns excise duty. In case, the Centre allows relaxations in unaffected areas, we are ready to open the liquor vends,” he said.

Minister takes 30% salary cut

To set a precedent, Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa on Monday announced that he was willing to go ahead with a pay cut of 30 per cent for six months. He said, “It is time that we should contribute to the revival of the state’s economy.”