Bhopal: Former Leader of Opposition in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly and veteran Congress leader Ajay Singh on Sunday demanded a 50% cut in Value Added Tax (VAT) by the state government on petrol and diesel.
In a press statement issued here, Singh said that the increase in rates of petrol and diesel has pushed up prices of all essential commodities. Due to the surge in transportation costs, the prices of essential commodities, particularly edible goods, have doubled in the last few days, making life miserable for common people, he said.
Singh further stated that to contain the inflationary pressure on the market, the state government should immediately reduce VAT by half. If this is done, the prices of all commodities will automatically come down, providing much-needed relief to the people.
He further demanded that the state government should immediately start distribution of wheat, rice, pulses, edible oil, and sugar from Public Distribution System (PDS) outlets at controlled prices.
Singh said that the poor section of society has been hit hardest by the uncontrolled rise in prices. Other sections of society have also been affected, and the state government should provide them substantial relief by reducing the heavy VAT duty charged on fuel.
