With the Union Budget approaching on February 28, industries have put forth their wishlists. Here is what the cement industry wants:
- Cut the heavy tax burden as the levies and taxes work out to 55-60 per cent of ex-factory realisation price.
- Levy a uniform excise duty on and ad valorem basis instead of transaction value.
- Cement should be treated as 'declared goods' for tax purposes to put it on an equal footing with other core sectors such as coal, steel, crude oil.
- Do away with 2.5 per cent customs duty on inputs such as pet coke and gypsum, which are in short supply in the domestic market