RWITC is hopeful of getting tax relief - Shailendra Awasthi TNN
Posted on - 05 Dec 2011
RWITC is hopeful of getting tax relief
Shailendra Awasthi TNN
Mumbai: Ever since the Maharashtra government had doubled the betting taxes last year, the poor betting collections have been slowly killing the sport of horse racing in Western India. The officials of the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) have been trying to convince state government for relief for long and it seems thee is some ray of hope. The RWITC chairman Vivek Jain had a meeting with chief minister Prithviraj Chavan recently. During an exclusive talk with the TOI, Jain revealed the latest development and also spoke on several issues concerning racing. Excerpts
What is latest in your efforts to get the government to reduce taxes?
I had an excellent meeting with the chief minister on this subject recently. He was convinced we had merit in our representation and has promised to convene a high level meeting soon. I’m optimistic of a good result.
If elected, what you aim to achieve in the coming year?
It will be a challenging year. The reduction of tax and initiation of talks on the extension of the lease are primary objectives. We also need to improve infrastructure in the stabling area and facilities for members. There are several issues that also need resolution.
What is wrong with the track and what steps are you taking for it?
This year the Tan Bark was not available and was substituted by Tan Powder on the grass track which caused the problem. We had not used this before and hence did not anticipate that it would not be suitable. The Tan Powder is being removed manually.
Is the increase in stud book registrations charges justified since the RWITC is not expected to make profit out of it as they are merely handling the book on behalf of the Turf Authority of India (TAI)?
This again is not correct. The RWITC has been the official keeper of the Indian Stud Book for decades and this is not on behalf of TAI. The charges have been untouched for 10 years. I have written to the president of the National Horse Breeding Society of India (NHBSI) that the committee may meet the NHBSI Council after the AGM for a better understanding of each others point of view. We would like this amicably resolved.
Are powerful connections influencing the stewards’ decisions?
No, absolutely not. Stewards' decisions are bound to be subjective as they are based on circumstantial evidence in most cases. There are nine stewards and the majority view has to prevail. We do consider past precedence in most cases while awarding the punishments.
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