Petrol Diesel Price Hike: Big setback for common people. The VAT Amendment Bill was passed in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly amidst opposition from the BJP. The state government will now be able to impose a cess of maximum Rs 5 per litre on petrol and high speed diesel.
The opposition had objection to the amended bill related to the welfare of widows and orphan children by imposing a cess of Rs 5 on petrol and diesel. Despite objection to the words widow and orphan, the VAT Amendment Bill was passed in the Assembly despite opposition’s opposition.
The state government will spend the money received in the treasury through the cess on schemes for the welfare of widows and orphan children. Before the passage of the bill, the opposition BJP MLAs walked out of the House shouting slogans.
Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu introduced the VAT Amendment Bill on petrol and diesel, aimed at the welfare of orphans and widows, in the House on Friday. On Monday, he presented the bill to the House for passage. Before the bill was passed, three opposition members discussed it. Participating in the discussion, BJP’s Randhir Sharma said that the cess would make petrol and diesel more expensive in Himachal than in neighboring states. He said that VAT of Rs 17.50 per liter is being charged on petrol and Rs 13.09 per liter on diesel. Therefore, a Rs 5 cess would make petrol cost around Rs 100 per liter and diesel Rs 90 per liter.
As a result, individuals traveling from neighboring states with vehicles will need to refuel in Chandigarh, Punjab, or Haryana. This situation will affect sales at gas stations. He mentioned that the ongoing Iran-Israel-US conflict is likely to drive up petrol and diesel prices. Consequently, the government ought to reconsider the bill. He further noted that the tax introduced by this bill will have inflationary effects on everyone.
Truck drivers will feel the impact
BJP MLA Trilok Jamwal pointed out that Bilaspur hosts the largest truck union. The tax will influence everyone in the state, from truck drivers to local residents. Vinod Kumar also voiced his opposition to the amendment bill, stating that the rising costs of petrol and diesel will have repercussions for all.
Concerns regarding the bill’s title as well
BJP’s Satpal Singh Satti remarked that this tax will also affect petrol stations. He stated that the government is raising funds under the pretense of supporting widows, which he believes is inappropriate. He also raised questions about the bill’s title. He mentioned that this tax will lead to higher prices for cement and other goods. Jairam Thakur expressed that the state’s economic condition is already dire. The government is attempting to generate revenue by invoking the terms widow and orphan, which he finds unacceptable.
We take issue with the terms “woman” and “orphan,” and the BJP stands against such a tax that will impact all segments of society. During our time in power, we reduced VAT by Rs 5, while the current administration has raised it twice. Oil prices are expected to increase due to the Iran-Israel conflict. Additionally, the government is imposing a tax that will affect the people of the state. He also questioned the title of the bill.