RAJ KUMAR
Ranchi, Nov.4: After reduction of excise duty on petrol and diesel by the union government, now people in the state are waiting for a reduction on Value Added Tax (VAT) levied by the state government on petrol and diesel.
A section of people shared their expectation saying taking a cue from the Centre, when nine NDA-ruled states including Assam, Bihar, Karnataka, Goa, Tripura, UP, MP and Uttrakhand can reduce the VAT why not Jharkhand, where ruling UPA ministers are making much hue and cry taking rise in the price of petrol and diesel.
“Price of petrol was reduced by Rs 5 while that of diesel reduced by Rs 10 after the union government announced a reduction in excise duty it levies on petroleum products. It can further be reduced if the state government reduces VAT,” said a city resident.
When contacted a state minister Mithilesh Thakur for his comment on the matter, he without giving any specific information regarding reduction of VAT in the state said it is all politics.
“Excise duty has been reduced in the wake of the UP election. Once the UP election is over the price will be increased enough to compensate for the loss in excise duty of the union government. The Modi government has no intention to give relief to common people,” Thakur said without saying whether the state government has any plan to reduce VAT or not.
State finance minister Rameshwar Oraon could not be contacted for his comment despite several attempts. Twitter messages to him also remained un-responded.
State spokesperson of Congress Rakesh Sinha too could not reply on the matter. He, however, said the reduction of price is ‘Modinomics’ and it is an eyewash.
