Mizoram Stands Firm: CM Lalduhoma’s Bold Move on Fuel Price Hike Sparks Courageous Change
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma announced that his cabinet has decided not to roll back the recent hike in petrol and diesel prices, which took effect on September 1. Despite protests from commercial vehicle owners demanding a reversal, the government stands firm on the new rates. Petrol prices increased from Rs 93.93 to Rs 99.24 per litre, while diesel rose from Rs 82.62 to Rs 88.02 per litre.
Speaking to reporters in Aizawl, Lalduhoma explained that the price hike was driven by the need to fund social infrastructure and road maintenance. The VAT on petrol was raised from 5.23% to 10% and on diesel from 16.36% to 18%. Additionally, a Rs 2 per litre levy for both fuels was introduced for social infrastructure and services cess, along with another Rs 2 per litre for road maintenance. The revenue generated from these changes will significantly support human resource development, wellness infrastructure, skill enhancement, and women-centric projects.
Lalduhoma urged citizens, particularly those in commercial transport, to see the broader benefits as the hikes aim to improve public welfare. He also highlighted that Mizoram’s current fuel prices are still lower than those seen pre-COVID and are more competitive compared to neighboring northeastern states such as Assam, Sikkim, and Nagaland.
Further, Lalduhoma mentioned that a working committee is evaluating the potential transfer of the state’s sole airport in Lengpui to either the Indian Air Force or private agencies, with future cabinet discussions planned based on the committee’s findings.
The Mizoram Commercial Vehicle Union (MCVU), initially planning an indefinite strike starting October 14 against rising fuel costs, retracted its plan after assurances from the chief minister. However, the union expressed dissatisfaction with the cabinet’s decision, with general secretary P Sanghmingthanga stating that MCVU would soon convene to decide on their next steps.
Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/mizoram/story/mizoram-government-not-to-go-back-on-its-decision-of-hiking-fuel-prices-cm-lalduhoma-1107819-2024-10-18?utm_source=rssfeed
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