The new-age highwayman is the toll tax collector. So believes the All-India Motor Transport Congress (aimtc), which has asked for abolition of the levy. It wants a standard charge of 5 paise per litre of fuel to replace the notoriously corrupt system that earns the Union government Rs 300 crore in annual revenue. Unfortunately, the transporters' body has glossed over the subject of differential levy for environmentally harmful fuels.
The aimtc's suggestions were made at the first meeting of the review committee set up by the government. The panel will study the methodology of calculating the quantum of toll to be charged from various modes of transport on national highways. It is headed by Anand Bordia, member (finance) of the National Highways Authority of India. Bordia has specified that finding an alternative to the existing octroi system is not part of the terms of reference of the committee.
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