Kohima, May 1 (MExN): The Kohima District Congress Committee (KDCC) today opposed that imposition of COVID-19 cess on diesel and petrol and submitted a representation to the Kohima Deputy Commissioner stating that the cess will result in price rise across commodities.
According to a press release on Friday, the KDCC memorandum stated that people are paying petrol and diesel cess to the state government at prices that are already unaffordable. “It is most unreasonable for the government to impose petrol and diesel cess despite crude oil prices being at their lowest in twenty years time,” it added.
Stating that people have lost business, lost jobs, development activities halted, industries closed and farming activities have been affected for those living in urban areas, KDCC president Kevi Vizo said that “imposing extra tax in this situation is adding salt to injury.”
Further, it pointed out that the state government had passed a Rs. 21,049 crore budget and also received State Disaster Response Management Fund, NEC Funds, and donations while the Centre is supplying PPE materials. “Instead of raising cess to increase prices, government should restructure the state’s economy to stimulate economic growth and bring down price in line with the centre’s policies,” the KDCC stated.
Pointing out that price for petrol and diesel are presently at Rs.76.86 and Rs. 68.27 per litre respectively as of May 1, it highlighted the plight of petrol pump owners who are also “forced to pay several unofficial taxes.” As such, the KDCC demanded that the government roll back its notification which was issued on April 28.
