Tax rates will be stable, says Kalam
New Delhi: President APJ Abdul Kalam said the government would go in for stable tax rates along with a cess on all central taxes to fund education, approach privatisation on merit and undertake amendments to labour laws for rapid growth in the manufacturing sector. In addition, foreign investment, through the portfolio and the direct investment routes, would be encouraged, the president said in his address to the joint session of parliament.

Drawing largely from the United Progressive Alliance's common minimum programme, the president in his speech also said the government was sensitive to the need for job reservation in the private sector and added that it would initiate a dialogue with industry and political parties "on how best the private sector can fulfil the aspirations of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes."
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FM radio firms lose Rs 200 cr in FY04
New Delhi: The private FM radio companies incurred a total loss of about Rs 200 crore in 2003-04, company representatives said in a representation to the government. Besides, the companies have also called upon the government for a faster implementation of the Amit Mitra committee recommendations. Representatives from various FM Radio companies met the information and broadcasting minister Jaipal Reddy today.

According to senior information and broadcasting ministry officials, the government has categorically asked the companies to pay the licence fee as per the directions of the Telecom Dispute Settlement Appellate Tribunal.
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