Jammu Hotels Association describes JK budget as a mixed bag

Jammu, March 8 (Scoop News) – All Jammu Hotels and Lodges Association (AJHLA) describing the budget proposals presented by the State Finance Minister AR Rather in the State Assembly yesterday, as a mixed bag.

The hoteliers held a meeting in Jammu today under the chairmanship of its President Inderjeet Khajuria has welcomed the extension of VAT and service tax exemption on the industry, including tourism related industry, for one more year. The association has, however, expressed its disappointment over the Finance Minister not conceding their demand to exempt VAT and service tax on catering in the restaurants attached with the hotels. It has also expressed its disappointment over no funds allocation earmarked in the budget for promotion of tourism in Jammu region. Taking up of no new tourism project and developing of the existing ones has been announced by the Finance Minister. The association has welcomed reduction in passenger tax on the commercial vehicles.

They also welcomed the sanctioning of Rs 70 crore by the Central Govt. for up gradation and expansion of Jammu airport, which on completion will have the capacity to handle seven hundred passengers at a time. It has, however, demanded eventually making Jammu airport on the lines of international airports, as has been the case with Srinagar airport. The association has further welcomed the provision kept in the railway budget for making Jammu- Jullundhur railway line double track. It has however demanded more facilities for the passengers at the Jammu Railway Station.

Besides Inderjeet Khajuria the others who attended the meeting included B.S Manhas Vice President, Pawan Gupta General Secretary, Baldev Treasurer and Amarjeet Singh Secretary.

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