Advertisement

Updated November 6th, 2021 at 00:38 IST

NCP's Sharad Pawar demands Centre to release GST compensation to cut VAT rates on fuel

NCP chief Sharad Pawar stated that the state government will only be able to inculcate the VAT reduction after receiving the due GST compensation by the Centre.

Reported by: Aakansha Tandon
GST
Image: PTI | Image:self
Advertisement

On being asked to reduce the value-added tax (VAT) rates on fuel in Maharashtra, NCP Chief Sharad Pawar, who is a part of the coalition government, on Friday diverted the issue and pinned it on the Central government and rather asked the finance ministry to release the GST compensation to the states, for them to be able to reduce VAT on petrol and diesel.

While talking to the press, Pawar stated that the Maharashtra government will be able to inculcate the VAT reduction only after receiving the due GST compensation, to be provided by the central government. He asserted that the state government will only be able to accommodate VAT reduction along with other welfare schemes, only after receiving GST compensation funds. 

Sharad Pawar demands Centre to release GST compensation to cut VAT on fuel

 Pawar told ANI, "If the Centre disburses the GST compensation to all the states, then the state governments can reduce the VAT on petrol and diesel and implement other welfare schemes."

Providing major relief to the common man, the Centre on November 3 announced a Rs 5 per litre cut in excise duty on petrol and a Rs 10 per litre cut in excise duty on diesel. This is after the fuel prices went skyrocketing in the past few months. This was the central government’s first reduction in excise in the last three years. Apart from this, around 10 BJP-ruled states, including Assam and Karnataka, also followed the centre's footsteps and reduced VAT along with the Centre's excise cut. After this, BJP has been raising demands of the VAT reduction in the states ruled by the opposition parties.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday hit out at Opposition parties for not reducing the VAT rates and accused them of doing "petty politics" over high fuel prices. Lamenting the opposition at a press conference, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said that the opposition attacked the Centre over high prices of diesel and petrol but did not follow suit when the Union government slashed the excise duty.

Apart from this, Sharad Pawar also confirmed reports that Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's driver and another staff have tested positive for COVID-19. The NCP chief stated, "As a precautionary step, the doctors have asked Ajit Pawar to remain in home isolation for a few days.”

(With ANI Inputs)

Image: PTI

Advertisement

Published November 6th, 2021 at 00:42 IST

Your Voice. Now Direct.

Send us your views, we’ll publish them. This section is moderated.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Whatsapp logo