A youth from the State has written to the Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court requesting for the intervention of the court to direct the State government to reduce the Value Added Tax (VAT) levied upon petrol and diesel) to an “agreeable amount” so as to put an end to the ongoing stalemate between commercial vehicle operators and the State government.
Joannes J T L Lamare in his letter to the Chief Justice stated that the Meghalaya government had increased the VAT on auto fuel prices in April 2020 citing the nationwide lockdown and plunging crude oil prices. He also said that the VAT was hiked on petrol and diesel by 31 per cent and 22.5 per cent respectively.
“Since then, fuel prices had been skyrocketing as days, weeks and months passed. There is widespread dissatisfaction and discontentment from all quarters of the society because it really had pinched the pockets of the haves and the have-nots. In the month of April, 2020 a litre of petrol costs Rs 74.9 while price of diesel costs Rs 67.5. Currently, the prices of petrol and diesel had crossed the Rs. 90 and Rs. 85 marks respectively. That too in less than a year there was an increase of Rs. 16 approximately. This is totally uncalled for especially when most of the people residing in the State live from hand to mouth and struggle to make both ends meet,” Lamare said.
He also said that due to the surge in auto fuel prices, the owners and drivers of passenger vehicles have urged the State government to reduce the VAT it had imposed on fuels.
“Since the 3rd of February, 2021, passenger vehicles have been off the road and this in turn is really a great cause of concern. Furthermore, the indefinite strike called by the group to urge the government of Meghalaya to bring down the fuel prices arising due to the imposition of high taxes is not only worrying but it also creates uneasiness to the general public whose livelihood entirely depends on transportation,” Lamare added.
He also mentioned the plight of daily wagers, students, examinees, traders, shopkeepers and employees due to the strike by transporters.
Lamare also said that the increase of fuel prices will result in a hike in prices of essential commodities and food items and affect the poor people.
“The Meghalaya government can generate funds for the State treasury through other means and not by burdening the common man. Increasing the price of petrol and diesel by 31 per cent and 22.5 per cent respectively is not at all acceptable because it directly and indirectly affects the poor and middle class families,” he added.
