Budget 2015 aims for Green India

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Saturday said Clean Energy cess on coal will be increased by Rs.100 per metric tonne to fund clean environment initiatives.

"In indirect taxes, I propose to increase the Clean Energy cess from Rs.100 to Rs.200 per metric tonne of coal to finance clean environment initiatives," Jaitley said while presenting the union budget for 2015 in the Lok Sabha.

He said the excise duty on sacks and bags of polymers of ethylene other than for industrial use is being increased from 12 to 15 percent.

The finance minister proposed to levy Swachh Bharat cess at the rate of 2 percent or less "on all or certain services if need arises".

He said the government will launch a scheme for rapid manufacturing and adoption of electric vehicles to tackle pollution. An initial outlay of Rs.75 crore for the scheme for the period 2015-16 has been proposed.

The new and renewable energy ministry has revised its target of energy capacity to 1,75,000 MW till 2022, comprising 1,00,000 MW solar, 60,000 MW wind, 10,000 MW biomass and 5,000 MW small hydro, he said.