Himachal Pradesh Government Clarifies No Immediate Hike in Petrol and Diesel Prices
In a significant clarification during the state legislative assembly's budget session, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that the government has not yet implemented the proposed Rs 5 per litre cess on petrol and high-speed diesel. This levy, intended to fund support for orphans and widows, remains under consideration pending formal procedures.
Legislative Process and Governor's Assent Awaited
Responding to queries on the tenth day of the session, CM Sukhu detailed the current status of the Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026. He emphasized that while the assembly passed the bill on March 23, it still requires the governor's official assent before becoming law. Only after notification will the state cabinet deliberate on whether to impose the cess and determine its exact rate.
The chief minister explicitly noted that the Rs 5 per litre figure represents merely the upper limit permitted by the bill. He indicated that the actual levy could be substantially lower, depending on the cabinet's final decision. This clarification aims to address public concerns and misinformation circulating about immediate price hikes at fuel stations across the state.
Political Controversy and Accusations of Misinformation
The assembly session witnessed heated exchanges as CM Sukhu accused Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur of misleading the media. Sukhu claimed that Thakur, after meeting with the Prime Minister in Delhi, incorrectly stated that the cess had already been enforced. Thakur promptly raised a point of order, objecting to the remark and clarifying his position.
Thakur asserted that he merely highlighted the bill's passage despite the BJP's opposition and walkout during the voting. He added that his discussion with the Prime Minister focused broadly on Himachal Pradesh's developmental issues, not specifically on the cess implementation. This political sparring underscores the tense atmosphere in the state legislature regarding fiscal policies.
Government Stability and Environmental Initiatives
Amid speculation about the administration's longevity, Chief Minister Sukhu firmly dismissed any doubts, affirming that his government will complete its full term. He reiterated the administration's commitment to governance and public welfare programs throughout the remaining period.
In related developments, Sukhu outlined ambitious environmental goals, announcing a collaborative effort with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to undertake extensive plantation and beautification projects along national highways. The government plans to encourage industrialists to participate in tree planting on barren hills under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, allowing them to earn carbon credits.
Currently, the state's forest cover stands at 29.5%, with a target to increase it to 32% by 2030. Under the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana, Rs 13.22 crore has been expended as of January 31, 2026, covering 878 hectares through the efforts of mahila mandals, yuvak mandals, and various self-help groups.
Assembly Proposals and Opposition Criticisms
Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania revealed plans to institute a Best MLA Award, which will evaluate legislators based on attendance records, active participation in sessions, and the quality of their debates. This initiative aims to promote accountability and excellence among elected representatives.
Meanwhile, the opposition, led by Jai Ram Thakur and other BJP MLAs, criticized the government for failing to address queries about institutions closed following the change in regime two years ago. In response, CM Sukhu assured that detailed information would be provided in the next assembly session, citing ongoing merger processes as the reason for the delay.
The budget session continues to highlight key policy discussions and political dynamics within Himachal Pradesh, with the proposed cess remaining a focal point of public and legislative interest.
