State offers 1% stamp duty sop to women home buyers

Budget Waives ?30k Cr Power Bill Dues Of Farmers Priyanka.Kakodkar@timesgroup.com Mumbai: Its income is eaten away by the pandemic, the state faces its highest ever debt of Rs 6 lakh crore in 2021-22 and a revenue deficit of Rs 46,178 crore which could shoot up to over Rs 70,000 crore if Central dues do not come in. Yet, the MVA government’s budget unveiled on International Women’s day has proposed innovative schemes for women including a 1% concession in the stamp duty rate if the house is registered in a woman’s name and relief for farmers including Rs 30,411 crore worth of waivers in power bill arrears. However, those expecting concessions in taxes on prices of petrol and diesel were left disappointed, with finance minister Ajit Pawar saying, “We do not have the money for this.” The state has also proposed raising VAT on liquor from the existing 60% to 65% and from 35% to 40% which is expected to generate Rs 1,000 crore revenue. State excise duty on branded country liquor was hiked to 220%, which could generate funds worth Rs 800 crore. The stamp duty concession scheme for women-owned homes will be implemented from April 1.