Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan said he has a real concern about industries and private educational institutions that, somehow, have not paid the taxes they owe to Gram Panchayats. During a review meeting with Panchayat Raj officials, he talked about the pending tax collections, and how it is affecting local income, in day to day terms.
Pawan Kalyan asked why profitable industries keep using village resources, but they do not meet their tax duties. He specifically mentioned Andhra Paper Mills, saying the company has gathered tax arrears worth around ₹19 crore. He also noted that many educational institutions have notable outstanding dues, and this situation keeps going.
As per Pawan Kalyan, if Panchayat taxes are collected properly across Andhra Pradesh, it could bring in more than ₹5,400 crore. He also observed that economically weaker citizens, traditional workers, and small employees usually pay their taxes. Yet many people remain uninformed about the unpaid amounts from industries and educational institutions, and that creates a gap.
Pawan Kalyan told the officials to keep up the tax recovery efforts even if there is political pressure. He further said he will bring the matter before the Chief Minister and the State Cabinet, because this needs a stronger follow up.
For improving tax collection, he proposed a special drive across the state, in a way that resembles the “Pulse Survey.” The move would help find the pending dues, and it would also provide support for making a clear action plan for recovering taxes owed to Gram Panchayats.
