On rising fuel prices, Smriti Irani passes responsibility to states
Union Textile Minister Smriti Irani said states should bring fuel prices under GST framework to curtail exorbitant rates of petrol and diesel. Irani was addressing a press conference in Ahmedabad to address achievements of the four-year-old Narendra Modi government amid widespread criticism. But Gujarat Congress asked the Center to take concrete measures to give relief to the common man instead of passing the buck.
Bringing petrol prices under GST is the solution, says Irani
Talking about huge debts that the government needs to pay off, Irani said bringing petrol prices under GST framework will make rates uniform. She said Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also supported the idea, and it is now up to states to make a decision. "GST council has all states as members and is not governed by the center only," Irani said.
Ask concerned state governments about price hike, advises Smriti Irani
Advocating the government, the textile minister added it's not only the center who levies taxes on fuel prices. Notably, in 2016-17, Maharashtra earned Rs. 23,160 crore from VAT on petroleum products. Gujarat earned Rs. 15,958 crore and Uttar Pradesh Rs 15,85 crore. "Why the petroleum prices are not decreasing in any state, one should ask the concerned state government," Irani added.
Gujarat Congress reminds Irani about revenue earned from taxes
Reacting to Irani's statement, Gujarat Congress reminded the government that it imposed excise duty and gained crores in revenue when crude oil prices were less. According to data, the Center's revenue collections increased exponentially in five years due to taxes and excise duty on fuel. From Rs. 1.05 lakh crore in 2014-15, it is expected to earn Rs. 2.57 lakh crore next fiscal.
Meanwhile, petrol prices slashed for fifth consecutive day
On Sunday, petrol prices were brought down by nine paise in four metros. The price of petrol per litre in Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai were Rs. 78.11, Rs. 80.75, Rs. 85.92 and Rs. 81.09, respectively. However, there was no change in diesel rates. It was sold for Rs. 69.11, Rs. 71.66, Rs. 73.58 and Rs. 72.97 in Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai respectively.
But Ms. Irani, doesn't BJP rule 21 states in India?
As Smriti Irani passed the responsibility to states, it doesn't evade attention from the fact that BJP has governments in 21 states, and so most of the burden on the decision of GST lies on it. A classic example of not taking responsibility, it seems.
