Punjab Transport Unions Escalate Protest Against Himachal's Entry Tax Hike
In a significant escalation of tensions, various Punjab-based organisations once again staged a protest on Saturday, blocking the road at the Dehni border near Nalagarh in Himachal Pradesh. The demonstration, led by truck and taxi unions, resulted in a severe traffic jam as protestors voiced their strong opposition to the recent hike in entry tax imposed by the Himachal Pradesh government.
Protestors Decry 'Gunda Tax' and Government U-Turn
The protestors, representing multiple transport unions from Punjab, raised slogans against the Himachal Pradesh government, labeling the increased levy as a 'gunda tax' on non-HP vehicles. Kamalajeet Singh, the vice-president of the Taxi Union in Ropar, highlighted that the government had initially assured a 10-day suspension of the tax hike. "Despite the assurance, the Sukhu government took a U-turn and hiked the rates," Singh stated, expressing deep frustration over the broken promise.
Multiple Taxes Burden Transport Operators
Singh further elaborated on the financial strain faced by operators, noting that beyond the entry tax, they are required to pay green taxes for accessing major tourist destinations like Manali and Sissu. "Himachal is perhaps the only state in the country having such draconian entry taxes," he remarked, underscoring the unique burden placed on vehicles entering the state. The protestors have vowed to continue their demonstrations until the government reconsiders its decision, with some calling for reciprocal taxes from the Punjab government or exemptions from Himachal Pradesh.
Political Support and Revised Tax Rates
Adding political weight to the protest, Janak Raj, the MLA from Bharmour constituency in Chamba, joined the dharna site and criticised the Himachal Pradesh government for the tax hike. The protest comes in response to the rationalised and revised rates issued by the HP government following earlier demonstrations. According to the new structure:
- Non-HP passenger vehicles with a seating capacity of up to 12 are charged Rs 100.
- Light commercial vehicles with up to two axles face a fee of Rs 320.
- Three-axle commercial vehicles are levied Rs 570.
These rates have sparked widespread discontent among transport operators, who argue they are unsustainable and discriminatory against non-resident vehicles.
