Assam increases VAT on 127 items, Congress demands roll back

Price rise is likely to hit the people of Assam as the state government has increased the VAT on as many as 127 items from 5 to 6 percent.

The state government has withdrawn partial exemption granted to oil companies on sale of LPG (cooking gas) for domestic use within Assam, which will result in increase in prices of gas cylinders by Rs 14 each. The price of petrol will increase by 76 paise and diesel by Rs 1.67 per litre.

"The state government is expecting to generate Rs 500 crore annually by this exercise," said Finance Secretary Ravi Kota.

VAT has been increased on medical diagnostic kits, x-ray films and other diagnostic films, medical equipment, devices and implants, spectacles, spare parts of motor vehicles, medicines, honey, glucose, sugar and CFL bulbs, agricultural implements, all types of yarns, all kitchen utensils, bamboo items, all types of cycles and their parts, bulk drugs, coffee beans and seeds, coir products, edible oils, paper, plastic footwear, printed material, readymade garments and renewable energy devices etc.

The opposition Congress has condemned the decision of the Assam government to increase the VAT on 127 items and said that this will hit the people of the state in the form of price hike of essential commodities including petrol, diesel, medicines, edible oils etc.

Leader of Assam Congress Legislature Party (ACLP) Debabrata Saikia appealed the government to withdraw the decision to increase the VAT on the 127 items and hoped that the government will bring in 'achche din' to the people of the state by reducing tax.

--IANS

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