New Delhi, Mar 10 (PTI) Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday asked the industry not to perennially demand a reduction in taxes as the government needs funds to implement welfare schemes for the poor.

Addressing an event here, the road transport and highways minister said the logistics cost in India will come down to 9 per cent within two years.

"Do not ask for reducing Goods and Services Tax (GST) and taxes, it is a continuous process which is going on. If we reduce the tax, you will ask for more, because this is human psychology," Gadkari, who is known for his frank views, said.

"...we want to reduce the taxation, but without taxation also, the government can not run a welfare state," he added.

The minister added that it is the government's vision to take the tax from the rich people and give benefits to the poor.

"So the government has also got its own limits," he said.

According to the minister, presently India's logistics cost is 14-16 per cent.

"I assure you that within two years...our logistics cost will be 9 per cent. So we will be more competitive in the international market," he said.

In China, the logistics cost is 8 per cent and in the US and European countries, it is 12 per cent, the minister said.

Gadkari also emphasised that India Inc. needs to reduce the cost of production without compromising the quality.

The minister noted that by increasing capital investment, India is going to create more jobs.

"You are not only wealth creator but job creator...we need to advantage of this golden era," he said.

Further, Gadkari stressed the need to reduce imports and increase exports to make India a developed nation. PTI BKS BKS SHW

Tax policy framed as revenue for welfare, not continual concessions, while targeting lower logistics costs for competitiveness. The minister urged industry against perennial demands for tax reductions, stating that GST and taxation are necessary to fund welfare programmes and that fiscal limits constrain tax concessions; he linked policy to competitiveness goals by targeting lower logistics and production costs, promoting capital investment for job creation, and encouraging reduced imports and increased exports.