Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar said in the State Assembly on Wednesday that the State Government wants to bring petrol and diesel under Goods and Services Tax (GST) to ensure the prices are slashed. Fuel prices have skyrocketed to new highs leading to frustration among citizens across the country.
Pawar also said that until a decision on this is taken, the Central Government should take measures to reduce its taxes so as to provide relief to the common public of the country.
While the State is pretty much powerless with regard to bringing petrol and diesel under GST, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the State would support the move if the Centre took this step. Pawar added that the State is not in a position to decrease the VAT imposed on fuel prices.
Meanwhile, Pawar also announced an increase in the area development fund that is used by legislators in their respective constituencies from ₹3 crores to ₹4 crores per year.
The Finance Minister also announced the restoration of a 30 per cent cut on the salary of legislators initiated in April 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The salary cut will come into effect starting in March 2021. Pawar mentioned that a decision on the salaries of the drivers of the legislators will be taken soon.
Read - Petrol Price Hike: Petrol Price Close To ₹100 In This Maharashtra District
A total of 366 legislators including 288 in the Assembly and 78 in Council draw a salary of nearly ₹2 lakh per month which includes allowances.
Separately, Pawar announced an increase in excise duty on branded and non-branded country liquor from 220 per cent to 213 per cent. However, in the recently presented budget, the increase was mentioned as applicable listed for branded country liquor.
Also read - Maharashtra Govt Considering A Reduction In VAT Levied On Fuel
Speaking on the infrastructure of the State, Pawar said, “The Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi will ensure the allocation made for infrastructure projects including rail, road, metro transport will be released fully.”
He further announced the construction of Marathi Bhasha Bhavan on an empty plot at Chowpatty’s Jawahar Bal Bhavan. The Deputy CM also disclosed plans to construct a Maharashtra Bhavan in Navi Mumbai on a plot selected by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO).
Read - All You Need To Know About The Recent Hike In Petrol And Diesel Prices
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