Proposal to allow local bodies to levy local taxes

JAIPUR: The state government is willing to allow the local bodies to levy local taxes to generate revenue for development works, chief minister Ashok Gehlot said on Friday.
"The local bodies should come forth with their fund requirement and also propose means to generate the funds. The government will approve of the suitable taxes," said Gehlot at foundation-laying ceremony of an affordable housing project at Narsinghpura village in Jaipur.
Inaugurating the first project under the affordable housing scheme, the chief minister also approved development of a community centre in the area.Addressing the gathering, he highlighted the major infrastructure projects proposed and under development during the past couple of years. The development of basic facilities is the responsibility of local boards, he said.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the condition of roads and cleanliness in Jaipur, the chief minister stressed on the need to extend facilities even to the remote areas. "The issue of roads and sanitation is not only limited to major cities. These facilities also require maintenance at village level. The local boards must make efforts in the direction and seek necessary support from the government," said Gehlot.
Mayor Jyoti Khandelwal and JDA commissioner Sudhansh Pant, who were present in the ceremony, also came under criticism for the bad roads and sanitation in the city. The chief minister added that the mayor has been making efforts to ensure cleanliness though the situation needs much improvement.
The chief minister said that JDA commissioner had assured that the city roads would be repaired by November-end. However, despite the monsoon being long gone the, roads are still in a pity state.
As an immediate effect, the JDC left on a site visit of the city roads.