Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 4 (IANS) Ever since the news surfaced that the cash-strapped Kerala government is considering introducing a toll tax on all roads developed using funds from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Board (KIIFB) to raise revenue, there has been a huge outcry, especially from the Congress-led UDF.
KIIFB is mulling to collect tolls on all roads constructed at a cost of Rs 50 crore and above and the various modalities of how to collect the tolls are also being undertaken.
On Tuesday, State Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal admitted that to increase the state revenue, various steps are being undertaken.
“KIIFB conducts studies on such projects but has not made any decisions regarding tolls specifically for roads and bridges built using KIIFB funds,” said Balagopal.
Incidentally, what has upset many now, is the statement made by the then Finance Minister Thomas Isaac in 2016 when he told the Assembly that tolls will not be collected on roads and bridges constructed by KIIFB.
KIIFB was established as the principal funding arm of the Kerala Government in 1999 aimed to channelise funds for critical and large public infrastructure projects in the state.
Notably, it was Isaac who put the pedal to KIIFB and started mobilising and channelling funds for facilitating planned, hassle-free and sustainable development of both physical and social infrastructure.
Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan said on Tuesday that if the Pinarayi Vijayan government tries to collect tolls on KIIFB-funded roads, it will be opposed strongly by parading people.
“The piquant financial position of the state is a result of extravagance, corruption and back door appointments. Right at the onset itself, we the opposition had strongly opposed KIIFB as it was a vehicle for off-budget borrowings and it would be detrimental to the people and now the fact that tolls are being planned itself is a challenge on the people. At no cost will we allow this,” said Satheesan.
State CPI-M secretary M.V. Govindan admitted that talks are there on this topic, but no decision has been made as yet.
“See, if the Centre is behaving like this when it ignores the felt needs of our state and is strangulating our state when it comes to finance, to go forward newer methods of revenue generation have to be looked into,” said Govindan.
With the Assembly all set to resume its sitting, this issue is definitely going to give enough ammunition for the Congress-led opposition to hit out at the Vijayan government.
–IANS
sg/uk
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by BhaskarLive.in and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of BhaskarLive.in We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, BhaskarLive.in takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.
