With the Meghalaya government yet to make announcement with regards to additional cuts (VAT) in petrol and diesel prices, the Hynñiewtrep Youth Council has urged the State government to take a conscious decision to alleviate the suffering of the people.
Six of the eight northeastern states — Assam, Tripura, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Mizoram – yesterday announced their additional cuts (VAT) in petrol and diesel prices after the Centre reduced excise duty on them by Rs 5 and Rs 10 on the eve of Diwali, in a bid to offer relief to people reeling under the impact of spiralling fuel prices.
Pointing out that many states in the country have taken a decision to further reduce the VAT just after the announcement of the Central Government, the HYC in a letter to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma today said, “However, the Government of Meghalaya is yet to make any announcement in this regard and the prices of petrol and diesel in our State of Meghalaya, even after the reduction of the excise duty will still be lingering around and above Rs 100 and Rs 90 respectively.”
The HYC said that the State government should have followed the centre’s decision to provide relief to the consumers.
On Wednesday, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma had said that it will be difficult for his government to reduce the VAT on petrol and diesel in the State as last year the revenue came down to around Rs 400 crore.
He said it was not a simple decision for the government to take and that State tax on petrol and diesel cost in the State is one of the lowest in the country.
