GUWAHATI, June 25 ? The minister of state for finance Sri Nilamani Sen Deka today said that the State government has laid emphasis on single point tax collection system in order to generate revenue and to check tax evasion. Addressing a press conference here, Sri Deka further said that he has organised a meeting on June 28 with the tax officials to find out ways for increasing tax collection of the State. ?The revenue shortfall of the State stands at Rs 158 crore per month and considering the gravity of the situation we have stressed on resource mobilisation?, Sri Deka added. He, however, said that the sale tax collection is increasing and last year it was recorded at Rs 1200 crore. But we will have to increasing more by gearing up the present tax collection system, he said.
On state?s expenditures, the finance minister informed that the state has to spend additional funds on disbursement of salaries of the employees appointed illegally during the AGP regime. Citing an example he said that the Nalbari district alone has to spend Rs one crore additional amount per month to disburse the salaries of the teachers appointed illegally by the previous government. In view of the prevailing situation, we would request the education department to conduct an enquiry in this regard, the minister said.
Asked about funds requirement to release the salaries of the employees, he disclosed that the State required about Rs 400 crore per month, but there was a shortfall of Rs 242 crore. ?To contain the problem we have requested the companies to clear the pending dues, he said, adding that the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) is yet to clear Rs 500 crore despite request the state government. The minister also informed that the department would strictly implement the recommendation made by the Committe on Fiscal Reforms (CoFR) to minimise the grime financial crisis.