Lahar civic body plans Rs 1,000 refund to firecracker traders charged Rs 2,500 tax

The Lahar Nagar Palika in Bhind district is preparing to refund Rs 1,000 to traders who set up firecracker stalls at the Diwali fair. The civic body had collected Rs 2,500 in tax from each shopkeeper, and the traders had complained about it.

The Nagar Palika had arranged the fireworks stalls at the Bhatantal ground for Diwali. Several traders alleged that money was taken from them but no receipt was given. They also complained that they had been charged too much tax.

When MLA Ambrish Sharma learnt of the excess collection, he directed that traders be given relief. Chief Municipal Officer (CMO) Jyoti Sunhare then prepared a proposal for a Rs 1,000 rebate in the tax. The CMO said the proposal was drawn up on the MLA's instructions.

The proposal will now be placed before the Nagar Palika council. The money will be returned once the council president and councillors agree. If it is approved, every stall will get Rs 1,000 back. Shopkeepers who could not be given a receipt for lack of time will also be issued one.

The Lahar Nagar Palika council has not held a meeting for more than two years, and as a result several development works and proposals in the town are stuck. No special lighting was arranged in the town for Diwali, and not even new lights were bought.

The proposal to refund Rs 1,000 to the traders could therefore also stall because the council is not meeting.