Another chicken scam in the making: KPGA

INDIA - The Kerala Poultry Growers Association (KPGA) has alleged that the Government, at the instance of the big poultry farms located outside the State, is contemplating bringing down the tax on poultry brought to the State. In a statement issued here today, the KPGA alleged that the big poultry farms of the neighbouring States had got together to influence the Kerala Government and gain this favour for themselves. They had been busy doing hectic lobbying in the Government these past few days, the KPGA said, adding that "another chicken scam is in the making." With the introduction of the Value Added Tax (VAT) system in the State from April 1, the tax on poultry has gone up to 12.5 per cent. However, this tax structure is a boon to the small poultry growers of the State since, under the VAT system, those who have annual turnover of less than Rs. 50 lakhs need to pay only half a per cent tax. Over 15,000 small poultry growers in Kerala stand to benefit by this, the KPGA said.

13 April 2005