Darjeeling MP Raju Bista on Saturday criticised the West Bengal government's decision to impose a 12.5 per cent value-added tax (VAT) on air turbine fuel (ATF) at Bagdogra airport, warning it poses a significant threat to the aviation industry's recovery.
By the hike in VAT on diesel, the Congress government has directly increased the economic burden on the people of the state by Rs 1500 crore, said BJP's HP unit chief Dr Rajeev Bindal.
The move has enabled private airline operators to run new flights to a dozen cities in the country.
Mayawati said the Central and state governments, while sacrificing their political interest, should pay attention to national problems, which are becoming serious day-by-day, so that life can normalise.
"West Bengal has high VAT on petrol and diesel as compared to other states. A reduction in VAT will save the state revenue from getting eroded as lakhs of vehicles coming from neighbouring states will get their tanks full with cheaper fuel"
Some policy changes may be required to rejuvenate the economy, the first being to remove the focus from big business and promote small enterprises, primarily, by reducing their burden of taxation. As of now, the tax structure favours the rich; the rate of taxation on firms and individuals is almost double the corporate tax rate.
Currently, diesel costs at Rs 81.94 per litre in Delhi and petrol is at Rs 80.43.
According to a price notification of state oil marketing companies, petrol price was unchanged after 17 consecutive increases, while diesel rates were increased by 48 paise per litre across the country.
The state government had announced on Monday night that it will impose a 70 per cent tax as 'Special Corona Fee' on liquor.
The one-day 'Chakka Jaam' protest by the Sanyukt Sangharsh Samiti is being held as the government failed to listen to their grievances on transport policies.
