Maharashtra government imposes tax to tackle drought

Maharashtra government has decided to impose ‘drought tax’ in a bid to raise funds to tackle the drought like situation in the state.
Decision in this regard was taken at State Cabinet subcommittee on the Relief and Rehabilitation headed by Finance Minister Sudhir Munguntiwar.
Drought tax include

• Surcharge tax of 2 rupees per litre will be charged on petrol and diesel.
• Surcharge Value Added Tax (VAT) on liquor, cigarettes and beverages has been raised by 5 per cent.
• Surcharge VAT on gold and diamond jewelleries has been raised from 1 to 1.20 per cent.
• This arrangement will valid for the next 5 months and will be reviewed during the next budget session.

It should be noted that this is the first time since 1973 that state government has decided to take such a drastic step.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2015