Himachal Cabinet gives nod to levy ‘orphan and widow cess’ on petrol, high-speed diesel
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Fiscal policy, budget & taxation (GST)· Prelims·
Why in news
The Himachal Pradesh cabinet approved an ordinance to levy an 'orphan and widow cess' on petrol and high-speed diesel to fund welfare schemes.
Background
The Himachal Pradesh cabinet, led by CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, approved the cess on petrol and high-speed diesel. The cabinet also adopted the national policy on geothermal energy and authorized four new nutritional profiling laboratories.
Facts for Prelims
- FactOrphan and widow cess: A dedicated levy on petrol and high-speed diesel in Himachal Pradesh.
- S&TGeothermal energy: Himachal Pradesh adopted the national policy on geothermal energy.
- FactSwaran Jayanti Energy Policy, 2021: Amended to incorporate geothermal energy guidelines.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the fiscal implications and ethical considerations of imposing specific 'cess' levies on essential commodities to fund social welfare schemes.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Regressive taxation: Impact of fuel-based cess on low-income households vs welfare objectives
- Fiscal decentralization: State autonomy in creating dedicated revenue streams for social justice
Keywords: Fiscal Federalism · Cess · Social Welfare · Geothermal Energy · Revenue Generation
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.