Will consider raising duties on fuel and liquor: Manpreet Badal, Punjab FM

Punjab would like to help the Centre in any way possible to deal with the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, said state Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal. In an interview with Dilasha Seth, he says he understands the Centre’s inability to clear goods and services tax (GST) compensation dues, but has asked for payment of Rs 2,100-crore GST arrears.

With revenues drying up, he says the state has decided to put a complete stop on capital spending till August 1. Edited excerpts:

How is Punjab dealing with Covid-19? Are you deferring salaries and pensions?
 

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