Himachal Assembly: Deputy CM Defends Cess Implementation, BJP Questions Transparency
The Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha witnessed heated discussions during the Monsoon Session over the imposition of various cess by the state government. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri clarified that the Deputy Commissioners would ensure that the new cess on sand and gravel does not lead to a price hike.
In response to pointed questions by BJP MLAs Bikram Thakur and Randhir Sharma, Agnihotri stated that the cess revenue would be used strictly for public welfare and that five out of the ten cess were introduced during the previous BJP government.
Bikram Thakur questioned the lack of transparency and utility of ten types of cess, especially the Covid Cess and Ambulance Service Fund Cess. He raised concerns over the poor ambulance services in Chamba district, where no emergency ambulance was reportedly allocated despite the collection of ₹16.97 crore.
Randhir Sharma added that cess on sand, gravel, and electricity has directly impacted the common man. He also flagged the non-payment to cow shelters under the Gau Vansh Vikas Nidhi Cess for the past three months.
The Deputy CM provided a detailed breakdown of cess revenue, highlighting that 50 emergency ambulances were purchased across various districts except for Chamba.
A light moment of verbal sparring was witnessed between Agnihotri and Thakur. Agnihotri remarked, “Today is the MLA’s birthday, so I don’t want to argue,” to which Thakur replied, “Our relationship is old, but questions must be asked,” continuing the debate with a smile.
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