Maharastra Government imposes drought surcharge on items
Q. Which state government has made the decision to impose drought surcharge on a host of items to increase INR 1600 crore for affected farmers?- Published on 02 Oct 15a. Kerala
b. MP
c. Maharashtra
d. Gujarat
ANSWER: Maharashtra
Maharashtra government on 30th September 2015 made the decision to impose a drought surcharge on numerous items to raise INR 1600 crore for affected farmers. New taxes become operational w.e.f 12:00 am on 30th September 2015. New tax system will be in place till the end of February following which the state government will undertake its rationalisation. Surcharge of INR 2 per litre would be levied on petrol and diesel in the capital city of Mumbai. Local body tax will be scrapped in 27 corporations across the state to reduce the impact in rural areas so prices will rise by close to 50 paise. Sales tax on aerated soft drinks, cigarettes and liquor will be increased by 5% and that on gold, diamond and jewellery would be hiked by 0.2%. Maharashtra has also scrapped local body tax for traders with less than INR 50 crore turnover from August 1st 2015.
