Ahmedabad: The Gujarat government on Thursday announced a relief package of Rs 14,000 crore to help revive the economy that has been battered by the lockdown imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus. The package includes tax rebates to consumers and loan subsidy for business and shop owners.
The package seeks to cover a vast section of people and businesses in Gujarat, one of the most industrialised states in India, which has also reported more than 18,500 COVID-19 cases so far.
Chief Minister Vijay Rupani made the announcement and gave relief to various sections of society based on recommendations of a committee headed by former Union finance secretary Hasmukh Adhia.
“We had appointed the Hasmukh Adhia committee for economic revival of the state, which has submitted an interim report. The report was discussed threadbare for the last four days and we have decided to announce 'Gujarat Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) package' of Rs 14,000 crore,” Rupani said.
“We have decided to give relief to people in payment of property tax, electricity bills and vehicle tax,” Rupani said.
Commercial establishments, businesses, offices, hotels, restaurants, shops and hospitals will get a rebate of 20 per cent in their annual property tax bills while residential property owners will get 10 per cent rebate, according to details of the package.
This will give direct benefit to people to the tune of Rs 744 crore.
Electricity consumers using less than 200 units per months will get rebate till first 100 units consumption, which will cost Rs 200 crore to the exchequer, the chief minister said, adding the state will give the amount to power companies.
Various rebates have been announced for commercial and industrial consumers of electricity. Private buses, jeeps and taxis have been given relief on payment of road tax and tax for six months due to the lockdown.