HP raises VAT on 120 items

The Himachal Pradesh government today raised the value-added tax (VAT) on 120 items from 12.5 to 13.75 per cent. The state is the 16th in the country to raise the tax on essential commodities.

The state’s exchequer is expected to pocket another Rs 60 crore after the implementation.

The items under the new VAT include electronic goods, vehicles, refrigerators, furniture, cosmetics and leather goods.

The rate on petrol and diesel remained unchanged at 25 per cent and 14 per cent, respectively.

The ruling BJP government faced some flak for this from the state CPI(Marxist) unit.

The state government is following the footsteps of the United Progressive Alliance government at the centre and burdening the common man, a party official said.