The Hindu

• `KCCI has always taken a broad look at problems of traders'
• Financial position of the State is good: Minister
• Government to extend concessions to traders

Mangalore, May 30: Minister for Medical Education and Animal Husbandry V S Acharya on Monday, May 29 commended the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) for the manner in which it had been functioning over the years.

Participating in a programme organised by the chamber to felicitate him here, Acharya said the KCCI had always taken a broad look at problems. ``You (office-bearers of the KCCI) have always focussed on the problems faced by traders in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts and sought collectively relief for them in general. There has always been an objective and collective thinking on the part of the chamber in addressing various issues from time to time and this is worth appreciating,'' he added.

Referring to the concerns expressed by the KCCI over non-reduction and gradual phasing out of Central sales tax following the implementation of value added tax (VAT), he said the Centre had to address the issue.

"The State Government will appraise the Centre of the issue. I will take up the issue of raising the threshold limits and upper limit for composition scheme under VAT at the Cabinet level,'' the Minister said.

Asserting that the financial position of the State was good and it was having surplus revenue, Acharya said the Government would take every step possible to help traders without disturbing the State's financial position. "We will extend concessions to traders where ever possible,'' he said and added that it would be done in a judicious manner.

A Srinivas Rao, president of the KCCI, honoured  Acharya with a shawl and a memento.

Rao also presented a memento to P Ravikumar, Commissioner of Commercial Tax.