The future in our Hands - from vulnerability to resilience: But how about giving some tax exemptions?
Speaking at a high level meeting on Climate Change, in New York yesterday, the FM said,
We are profoundly concerned about environmental degradation and climate change. Our per capita consumption of energy is 530 kgoe of primary energy compared to a world average of 1770 kgoe. Our per capita emission of CO2 is among the lowest in the world: it is approximately 1 tonne per annum as against a world average of 4 tonnes per annum. Currently, developing countries bear an inordinate share of the burden of climate change, though this is due to the high-level of emissions of developed countries. Developing countries are, therefore, obliged to significantly augment their capacity to cope with and adapt to climate change. We acknowledge the principle of common and differentiated responsibilities.
We have taken a number of measures that are inherently supportive of sustainability and clean development. We have insisted on use of CNG for public transport; we have introduced the metro rail in many cities; and we have commenced a major bio-diesel programme including mandatory blending of ethanol in petrol. We have also launched the Green India project that will be the world's largest afforestation project covering six million hectares of degraded forest land.
As a result, we have raised energy efficiency in all the major energy intensive sectors - steel, aluminium, fertilizer, paper and cement. We propose to make available Compact Fluorescent Lamps at the price of normal incandescent bulbs. The earth's atmosphere is a common resource for all of humankind. The problem lies not in accessing this resource but in its excessive usage. India is committed to sustainable development, and that means sustainable patterns of production and consumption.
FM Sir, are you aware there are a few enterprising young professionals in India offering consultancy on Carbon Advisory Services & Climate Change Mitigation. They help their clients to claim valuable carbon credits and thereby earn good foreign exchange? Shouldn't you exempt this service from Service Tax, if at all it is taxable? If it is not taxable, you should give a clarification that it is not.