PCMC cuts octroi on spares, plastics

The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) on Tuesday agreed to reduce octroi on some commodities. Mayor Yogesh Behl said the decision was taken after meeting leaders of different political parties.

The octroi on spare parts and machinery has been reduced to 2.75% from 3%, and 2% from 3% on plastic  material. The new tariff would come into effect  after the PCMC general body’s approval.

The Pimpri Chinchwad small industries association president, Suresh Mehtre said, “We didn’t attend  the meeting and are yet to receive any official information from the PCMC.”

The civic body had increased octroi on industrial equipment, spare parts and vehicles from 1.65% to 3% from this fiscal.
Opposing the hike, Pimpri-Chinchwad industrial fraternity had said that the PCMC had earned an additional Rs500 crore from octroi and other taxes during 2010-11. Moreover, development projects in the city were financially assisted by the Centre and state government.

Behl also discussed various issues, including unauthorised constructions and water complaints at the meeting. PCMC commissioner Ashish Sharma, MLAs Laxman Jagtap and Anna Bansod, ward officers and other civic  officials were present.

Behl announced that the allotment of houses for economical weaker sections would be done by December-end this year. Nearly 1,500 houses will be allotted to the beneficiaries.