Mumbai, March 23: Hawala dealers and tax evaders in Maharashtra will now be jailed for a minimum of two years instead of one, Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar said in the assembly Wednesday.
“Some dealers, with a view to evade tax, issue or procure false invoices without actual sales or purchases. It is, therefore, proposed to enhance the present term of punishment of imprisonment to minimum of one year which may extend to maximum of two years on conviction for offence of making false claims by issuing or producing false invoices,” Pawar said.
The announcement came while the minister presented the state budget for 2011-12 amidst opposition din Wednesday.
-Agencies