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Himachal Pradesh Assembly Passes Bill Proposing 'Orphan, Widow Cess' On Fuel Amid BJP Walkout
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The Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Monday passed a bill proposing the imposition of an “orphan and widow cess" on petrol and diesel, amid fierce opposition from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs, who staged a walkout in protest.
The Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposed a cess of up to Rs 5 per litre on fuel to mobilise resources for welfare schemes targeting orphans and widows from economically weaker sections, according to a report by The Indian Express. The government says the legislation would provide a stable, sustainable revenue for welfare schemes supporting orphans and widows.
The BJP opposed the proposed cess, warning that it would raise fuel prices in the state above those in neighbouring Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur called it inappropriate to generate revenue “in the names of widows and orphans."
He said people would be forced to purchase fuel from neighbouring states, which would hurt Himachal Pradesh’s economy, particularly in border districts. BJP MLA Randhir Sharma also opposed the amendment, warning that the cess would push fuel prices above those in neighbouring states.
ALSO READ: Himachal Govt Cuts Part Of Salaries Of CM, Ministers, Officials For 6 Months Amid Financial Strain
“In Punjab, petrol is around Rs 97.70 and diesel Rs 88.20. Even Chandigarh has cheaper diesel than Himachal. Increasing prices further will make our fuel the costliest in the region," he said. BJP leader Satpal Singh Satti said the terminology of the cess could be considered offensive for widowed women.
In response to the BJP’s remarks, Sukhu defended the policy, saying his government is ensuring no widow or orphan feels unsupported and that fuel prices will not exceed those in Punjab and Haryana. He also accused BJP leaders of being “hand in glove" with petrol pump owners and said their opposition to the bill was politically motivated, as per the report.
Sukhu urged BJP leaders to take up the matter of the numerous cesses levied by the central government with the Prime Minister, accusing the Opposition of unfairly singling out the state administration.
Source: News18
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