21 July 2013
After the introduction of VAT, there is no salestax. I think you are meaning about the tds on works contract. Yes TDS (VAT) is deducted by the person who engages a contractor. In addition to income tax tds,the state vat has to be deducted and to be deposited to the jurisdictional assessing officer.
22 July 2013
It is okay. The purpose of introduction of TDS on Works contract is, the contractor is doing the business in a business entity without VAT registration and Service tax registration and whereabouts will not be available esp., building contractors (except engineers). So, the onus is shifted to the person who engages their services thereby govt gets revenue.