New Delhi: Amidst reports that the Delhi government has asked the VAT commissioner to take steps to boost revenue, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday sought to dispel the fears of traders in this regard and said that the stepping up of the target would not lead to their harassment by way of raids.
He also said that his government was exploring the possibility of bringing down VAT rates in Delhi so that it was the lowest in the country.
"I wish to reiterate that that even if we increase the target, this will not lead to the harassment of traders. We believe in our traders and will follow a policy of not conducting raids. In our previous government, we did not undertake any unnecessary raids and that resulted in increased revenue.
"Since, in the last nine months, there was no AAP government, raids increased and that also resulted in a decline in revenue," he said.
The chief minister was addressing a gathering of traders at a function held at Alipur in Narela constituency. Delhi Food and Civil Supplies Minister Asim Ahmed Khan and Chandni Chowk MLA Alka Lamba, too, were present at the event. Appealing to the traders to pay taxes, Kejriwal said every penny paid by them will be put to use for the right causes. He also asked the traders to give suggestions on how Delhi can be made a better trading hub.
"Now, you have an honest government. I assure you that every penny you pay will be utilised to make your children's lives better," Kejriwal said. Kejriwal has promised to end the "raid-raj", reduce VAT and develop the national capital as a traders' hub.
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