No instructions from Centre to reduce tax on diesel, says CM

Talking to reporters here, Chavan said reducing value added tax (VAT) on diesel is not under consideration at the moment.

"It looks difficult given the drought situation," the Chief Minister said, when asked if the state government plans to provide relief to the common man after the centre's decision to hike diesel prices.

Speaking about foreign direct investment (FDI) in retail, Chavan said that Maharashtra's farmers are progressive and will benefit from it.

"Leave it to the states for implementation. A supply chain will be created and bring in transperancy. Competition has helped aviation and telecom sectors," he added.

When asked about the state's industrial policy, Chavan said it was in its final stages.

"Discussion is on for an exit policy for SEZs which have been notified and want to back out. The issue of converting non-feasible SEZs due to various tax laws into domestic industrial townships is being discussed," he added.