**Budget 2016: IPPAI bats for tax incentives for power sector**

In the run up to the Union Budget 2016, Indian power producers have proposed to the government a slew of tax benefits to incentivise investments in the sector.

Independent Power Producers Association of India (IPPAI) in a letter to the ministries of finance, coal and power asked the government to extend a 10-year tax holiday to companies that start power generation by March 31, 2020.
Read our full coverage on Business Standard Budget.

“Industry players have called for the extension of the sunset tax clause for power companies to include plants that provide power till March 2020 as opposed to 2017 earlier,” said the letter.

The association has also asked for minimum alternate tax to be reduced to 10 per cent. With regards to coking coal, IPPAI has asked for reduction in customs duty on it. 

Pak visit finds no mention on Modi's Mann ki Baat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is 15th edition of the radio programme Mann Ki Baat, aired on Sunday, remained in line with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government’s campaigns such as Swachh Bharat and Start-Up India, Stand Up India, a project that will be launched on January 16. Although a large number of questions sent to mygov.in, a discussion forum floated by the government, revolved around the PM’s visit to Pakistan, Modi did not bring it up.

Among the few ideas that the PM picked up from inputs received from the masses was one on keeping places of tourist interest clean through the Swachh Bharat project. “As you know, I use technology a lot. And I do keep an eye on mygov.in…. I agree Swachh Bharat should be a focus area, especially in tourist destinations.” To continue the initiative, Modi wants people of this country to clean up statues of national leaders across the country on January 26.

While pointing out the action plan for Start-Up India, Stand Up India will be unveiled on January 16, Modi said Indian Institues of Technology and other universities will be connected live for the event. Modi wants India to be the start-up capital of the world.

Asking people to connect with him through the Narendra Modi app and viamygov.in, the PM sought citizens’ views on anything from Swachh Bharat to inspirational examples of charity and bravery; ideas for the national youth festival at Raipur on Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary to thoughts on duty and responsibility. “Why should we not discuss duties and responsibilities in schools and colleges and other places on Republic Day?”