Chandra Shekhar M.T, Kannur

1. Budget for Environment :
(a). 2010 Budget must contain measures to minimize the use of Plastic disposables, to free our cities from plastic garbage and toxic gases. Suggestions include :
(i) Impose a new levy on goods, to be called “Pollution Duty” on Plastic disposables and also other goods responsible for degradation of the Environment, @ of not less than 5 % on the sale value,
(ii) Provide incentives in the form of duty exemption @ 2% on all goods, particularly Food items, for making their goods Plastic Free.
(iii) Increase Central Excise duties on Plastic Granules used in the manufacture of Carry Bags and Pouches to a minimum of 16%. These include all types of Polyethylene, Polypropylene, etc,
(iv) Increase Central Excise duties on Plastic Granules used in the manufacture of Plastic Cups and Plates & Tumblers to a minimum of 16%. These include Polystyrene, Polyurathene, etc,
(v) Increase Central Excise Duties on Plastic Carry Bags, Pouches, Plates and Tumblers to 16% and impose “Pollution duty” @ 5% on them.
(vi) Lift Value based exemption of Rs. 1.5 Crores provided to Small scale Units manufacturing Plastic disposables, including manufacturers of Plastic Carry Bags, Pouches, Plates and Tumblers,

(b). Other Suggestions :
(i) Packaging of Food Articles : Consumer essentials such as Tea, Biscuits, Milk Powder, Instant Nutritional Supplements, Cereals, Beverages and Oil must necessarily be made Plastic free. These food articles must attract ‘Pollution duty”@ 5% for using Plastic as well as duty exemption @ 2% for making the goods Plastic free. Toiletries such as Soaps, Bathing Bars, Shampoos, Washing Soaps and Detergents should also be included in the above Categories.

CHANDRA SHEKHAR M.T.

Middle Level Officer,

CEntral Govt.,

Kannur, Kerala

mtc1693@rediffmail.com