The Federation of Madhya Pradesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FMPCCI) on Wednesday demanded simplification of VAT in the state to help the people and industry at large.

“When VAT was introduced, both the central and state governments said it will be the only tax applicable, but things are not like that in reality,” FMPCCI senior vice president Govind Goyal told reporters here.

Despite the introduction of VAT, there were still many other taxes in force in the country, Goyal said.

There should be a uniform tax rate all over the country as this will ensure that there is no tax evasion and goods are available at the same price from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, he said.

The Federation had submitted a number of proposals to the Madhya Pradesh government for inclusion in this year’s budget, including giving benefit of entry tax to dealers trading in iron and steel and making supplies to different industries, he mentioned.

Referring to anomalies in taxation, Federation’s Managing Committee member S K Somani said while taxing spectacles, the name of sunglass should also be included in it as it acts as a protection for human eye.

Similarly, while taxing computer and new IT gadgets like multi-media projectors, tablets, i-pods, among others, should also be included in the list for having uniform tax, he said.