New Delhi, Feb 21 (UNI) Delhi Finance, Planning and Power Minister A K Walia today assured rationalisation of taxes in the budget for the year 2008-09.

The assurance was made by Dr Walia during pre-budget discussions with a delegation of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Addressing the delegation, led by Commissioner, Department of Trade and Taxes, Arun Poddar, Dr Walia, while assuring rationalisation of taxes, stated that the city-Government had to face enormous challenges due to multiplicity of authorities.

Apart from submission of various demands relating to rationalisation of taxes, the members of delegation concentrated on development of infrastructure, including a reliable transport system and parking facilities, re-development of industrial areas, strengthening of e-governance, tax information exchange system and other related issues.

They also stressed the need of developing one model industrial area which could serve as a self-sufficient and well-managed industrial estate.

They also demanded placement of certain restriction on large scale dumping of goods by China which is affecting collection of VAT and other taxes.

Dr Walia assured the delegation that the Delhi Government would try to take care of their demands relating to adequate water and electricity supply, roads and development of parking lots near industrial estates.

Dr Walia would be presenting his 5th consecutive budget in the Legislative Assembly on March 24.

The Budget Session is scheduled to commence on March 17 with address by Lt. Governor Tejender Khanna. The session would continue till April 4. Pr Secretary (UD)Delhi Government and Special Secretary (Transport) were also present during the discussions.

UNI AR KD AS2225