MUMBAI: Days ahead of the state budget, deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar hinted at some relief in prices of petrol and diesel which have skyrocketed. Pawar said the Centre collects Rs 35.9 per litre of petrol and of this Rs 32.9 is collected as cess, whereas the state government collects Rs 28.9 as value added tax. “Our government has not increased the tax on petrol and diesel.
We are thinking of certain changes which I will announce in my budget speech on March 8,” he said. Sources in transport associations say they are hoping the government will reduce taxes and VAT in the state budget. Last year, during the state budget, government had increased VAT on fuel by Rs1.
Pawar also said strict action will be taken against Sharjeel Usmani, a former Aligarh Muslim University student leader, accused of hurting religious sentiments in his speech at the Elgar Parishad.
Replying to the discussion on the Governor’s address in the legislative council on Thursday, he said there is no reason to back anyone who poses a threat to national security, adding all should take sensible positions on crucial issues.
A complaint has been filed against Usmani for making anti-Hindu remarks and hurting religious sentiments at the Elgar Parishad in January in Pune. “Strict action will be taken against Usmani. No one will be spared. You (BJP) should also not have two positions on the country and state’s social security,” he said, without naming any party.
He also said the government would ensure the development board for Marathwada, Vidarbha and rest of Maharashtra received the same quantum of funds as in the past. The board is yet to be constituted. Pawar had earlier said the board would be constituted when the Governor approved the appointment of 12 members to the Upper House as proposed by the state government.