Chandigarh, Jun 1 (PTI) In a relief to the transport sector hit hard by the coronavirus lockdown, the Punjab government on Monday slashed tax on per kilometer travel for non-AC buses.

Chief Minister Amarinder Singh also directed the state Transport Department to allow vehicle owners to pay tax arrears by June 30 without penalty or interest.

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Chief Minister Amarinder Singh ordered a reduction in tax rate from Rs 2.80 to Rs 2.69 per km per vehicle per day, an official release said.

With thousands of people directly/indirectly earning their livelihood from the transport sector, these moves will help alleviate some of their sufferings in these times of crisis, said the CM in the release.

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He pointed out that the suspension of the bus service following the imposition of the lockdown had resulted in a huge loss to operators of non-AC buses, which are a common mode of transportation for ordinary people.

Principal Secretary (Transport) K Siva Prasad said the decision aimed at providing an immediate relief to the stage carriage buses.

The move will help protect interests of people employed in the sector, he said.

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