Union Budget 2015-16: Tax reduction for contribution to 'Swachh Bharat Kosh'
28 Feb 2015
In a bid to bolster Swachh Bharat (Clean India) and Green India programmes, finance minister Arun Jaitley today proposed a reduction in tax for contribution, other than under CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), to the 'Swachh Bharat Kosh'.
Similar measures were also proposed for the Clean Ganga Fund, in the Union Budget for 2015-16 in the Lok Sabha.
He also proposed a hike in clean energy cess from Rs100 to Rs200 per metric tonne of coal to finance clean environment initiatives.
He also proposed an increase in excise duty on sacks and bags of polymers of ethylene other than for industrial use from 12 per cent to 15 per cent.
Jaitley further proposed an enabling provision to levy Swachh Bharat Cess at the rate of 2 per cent or less on all or certain services if need arose.
Furthermore, services by common effluent treatment plants would be exempt from service tax. He also announced extension up to 31 March of concessions on customs and excise duty levied on electrically operated vehicles and hybrid vehicles.
