Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (LDS)
Mangaluru, Jun 6: MLA U T Khader demanded the withdrawal of government's 45% tax imposition on KIOCL pallet export and urged for 100% tax exemption.
Addressing media here on Monday June 6, Khader raised concern over Kudremukh iron ore mines, where the govt has recently levied 45 percent tax on the export unit. He also expressed concern over the detrimental impact of heavy taxes imposed on the Kudremukh iron ore firm, introspecting the drastic effects that could lead to the shutdown of the prolific iron ore company. “Kudremukh has stood as the pride of coastal Karnataka since a very long time. Its glorious history and contribution to the industry has been pivotal in the economic sphere,” he said.
Khader pointed out that the ruling party BJP has sustained on an ironic idea of maximum governance and minimum government interference. Further, he added that the span of seven years had witnessed rapid privatization and minimum governance. He suggested the examples of airports and the BSNL, which is on the verge of shutting down as the consequence of various improper decisions.
He opined that KIOCL has been the most prominent industries making massive contributions to the iron industry. “But the condition today stands worrisome as 45% tax was imposed on exporting products and this would only worsen the issue,” he said.
He further added, “For the Kudremukh iron ore firm’s survival, the taxes need to be waived. The NMPT has been already handed over to 3 industrialists. Hence, we demand justice on this issue. We want the finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the commerce ministry to jointly act on this issue on immediate effect. This would be a drastic setback to the public sector and would earn comparatively minimum revenue.
“If failed to act effectively on this matter, the Congress party would stage a massive protest, demanding justice,” he said.
When asked about the Tumakuru protest where a pair of khaki shorts were burnt, Khader said, “It looks okay for the BJP when the national flag was insulted and Gandhiji killers are being glorified. But it will be wrong for BJP if one raises his voice over the text book row. Burning khaki shorts was a symbol of protest. We condemn the arrest of students.”
When asked about hijab row, Khader said, “If the students have any problem, they should approach the court. If the matter cannot be resolved by the deputy commissioner and vice chancellor, the students have to fight legally. In the hijab matter, maintaining law and order is very important and at the same time education is also important for girl students.”
Former MLA J R Lobo, Shakuntala Shetty, Congress leaders Sahul Hameed, Sadashiv Ullal and others were present.