-
ALSO READ
COVID-19: Puducherry CM reiterates demand for Central funds
Pondy CM concerned over continued breach of lockdown
Pondy govt not to relax lockdown restrictions, says CM
Puducherry Chief Minister hospitalised in Chennai
PM appreciated efforts of Pondy govt to contain spread of coronavirus: CM
-
: Puducherry Chief Minister V
Narayanasamy said here on Friday that the territorial administration was mulling imposition of special COVID-19 tax on liquor to wriggle out of the current fiscal crisis.
He told reporters that several states have introduced such a tax to offset the loss of revenue.
"Excise revenue is a major source of income for the territorial administration. The COVID-19 lockdown since March 25 had necessitated closure of liquor shops in the Union Territory resulting in loss of revenue to the Exchequer," he said.'
He said a decision on the issue would be taken at the cabinet meeting scheduled for Saturday.
The Chief Minister further said such a tax would be imposed on petrol and diesel also.
The territorial administration has not taken any decision on re-opening the liquor shops that have remained closed during the ongoing lockdownalthough the neighbouring Tamil Nadu had let recommencement of retail sale of liquor through government-owned TASMAC shops, he said.
Narayanasamy had said a decision on re-opening the liquor shops would be taken soon.
(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU