Chandigarh Forum

Plastic carry bags not only cause environmental degradation but also release harmful and toxic gases which are Carcinogenic in nature and pose a serious health hazard.  Keeping all these aspects in view, the various State Governments has decided to ban the manufacturing and use of plastic carry bags of thickness less than 30 microns and size less than 8"x12". Beside this there is a complete ban on use of plastic articles such as carry bags (irrespective of thickness and size), plates, cups, tumblers, spoons & forks and straws in areas having special historical, religious or ecologic significance.

Plastic carry bags have following detrimental effects:

• Clogging of water and sewerage drains;
• Interference with system of water recharge due to impermeable surface of plastic;
• Diseases due to plastic surface providing breeding ground for pathogenic micro organism;
• Destruction of aesthetic visual values;
• Transfer of toxicity to food stuffs when carried in coloured bags;
• Air Pollution during the process of burning/recycling of plastic;
• Threat to health of animals who may eat the plastic along with other material;
• Transfer of toxicity to various soil layers.

This is an appeal to people not to use plastic carry bags
of thickness less than 30 microns and size less than 8"x12"
and co-operate in maintaining healthy and clean environment
for our young generation and generations to come.

Chandigarh imposes complete ban on using polybags

The Chandigarh Administration has put complete ban on the manufacture and  use of polythene/plastic carry bags with effect from 2nd October, 2008. The notification in this regard was issued in July 30 by the Department of Environment under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. [ Notification ]

No person including a shopkeeper, vendor, wholeseller or retailer, trader, hawker or rehriwala etc., shall use polythene/plastic carry bags for supply of goods in polythene/plastic carry bags. No person shall manufacture, store, import, sell or transport polythene/plastic carry bags in Union Territory, Chandigarh.

Violators of this act can be given rigorous imprisonment extended up to five years or fine of Rs one lakh or both depending on the extent of violations. For the habitual violators, an additional fine of Rs 5,000 per day shall be imposed and there are provisions of imprisonment up to seven years depending upon the violation, stated the official.

Besides, packaged commodities including milk products and grocery items have been exempted from this Act.
 

Chandigarh Administration: Brochure about polythene "Say no to Polythene"

Indian Income 2007

PERSONAL INCOME TAX

10% surcharge on Income above Rs. 10,00,000 & above. Education cess 3% on (Tax + Surcharge).

HIGHLIGHTS OF BUDGET

1. No change in personal or corporate rate of income tax.
2. One-by-six scheme abolished.
3. MAT raised from 7.5 per cent to 10 per cent.
4. STT raised by 25 per cent.
5. Section 80C to cover fixed deposits of 5 years and more with a scheduled bank.
6. Section 80-IA benefit extended till 31-03-2010 for power sector.
7. Changes in section 54EC to restrict it to two institutions, section 10(23G) and 54ED withdrawn.
8. PAN to be made complusory for some more transactions.
9. Value of fringe benefit on tour and travel to be taken as 5 per cent instead of 20 per cent. For hotel boarding and lodging similar reduction is there is some cases. Expenses on brand ambassadors and celebrity endorsements excluded; only a contribution to approved superannuation fund by employer, in excess of Rs. 1 lakh per employee, will attract FBT.

DEDUCTION

• Under Section 80C & 80CC: Deduction upto Rs. One lakh shall be allowed in respect of payment towards Life Insurance Premium, Contribution towards P.F., P.P.F., N.S.C., expenditure on Education of children, Repayment of housing loan & investment in eligible issue of capital & fixed deposits of 5 year & more with a scheduled bank.

• Under Section 80D: Mediclaim insurance upto Rs. 10,000.

• Under Section 80G: General Deduction is 50% of amount Donated to approved institutions.

DEPRECIATION

The general rate of depreciation on plant & machinery is reduced to 15% from 25%, for furniture and fittings to 10% from 15%, for motor cars to 15% from 20%, for motor buses and lorries to 30% from 40%, rubber moulds to 30% from 40% and ships to 20% from 25%. The rate of initial depreciation is increased to 20%.

FRINGE BENEFITS TAX ON COMPAIES (FBT)

• Individual, HUF, Charitable institutions and Trusts are exempted.

• Expenses on advertising have been exempted from FBT.

• 20% chargeable on entertainment, publicity, sales promotion, hotel, boarding and lodging, use of telephone and mobiles, Repair, running and maintenance of vehicles.

• 5% chargeable on tour, travel & hospitality.

• 50% chargeable on Festive celebrations, Gifts, use of club facilities, conference, use of health club, sports and similar facilities and scholarship to the children of employees.

CASH WITHDRAWALS TAX

SERVICE TAX

Service tax rate raised from 12% plus education cess 3%.  Small service provides whose gross annual turnover is less than Rs. 8 lacs are exempt from service tax. Few more services are come under the list service tax list.