Raising concern over the imposition of COVID-19 cess on diesel and petrol, the Kohima District Congress Committee (KDCC) has demanded that government notification be rolled back.
In a memorandum submitted to DC Kohima, the KDCC president Kevi Vizo stated that the state government, “instead of raising cessation to increase prices”, should restructure the state economy to stimulate economic growth and bring down in line with center’s policies.
It stated that imposition of COVID-19 cess on diesel and petrol at the rate of 5 and 6 respectively was not acceptable as it would result in price rise across commodities. KDCC said that people have lost business, jobs, development activities halted, industries closed and farming activities affected.
Stating that people were paying petrol and diesel cess to the state government at prices that were already unaffordable, the KDCC said that it was “most unreasonable” for the government to impose cess despite of crude oil prices at their lowest in twenty years.
KDCC also said that petrol pump owners were forced to pay several unofficial taxes because government had “no control rather its policy is to felicitate and support.”
KDCC stated that state government had passed a Rs.21,049 crore budget and money was available with the government besides receiving State Disaster Response Management Fund and “perhaps” Prime Minister CARES fund also. “We have also seen NEC has released grants while the Center is supplying PPE materials. In addition, donations have also been received,” KDCC stated.