Decision to raise fuel taxes draws criticism

SHILLONG, Aug 27: The state government’s decisions to raise taxes on fuel by Rs 1.50 per litre and spend Rs 12-14 crore on some tourism festivals have met with opposition.
Civil Society Women’s Organisation president Agnes Kharshiing said the increase in taxes on petrol and diesel is not justified. She said this will add to inflation. The prices of essential commodities will go up further and affect the common man, she said.
“The government is also going to spend crores of rupees on festivals of just a few days. This is not justified,” she said.
An MLA, who did not wish to be named, said it was surprising the government, on one hand, decided to increase taxes on fuel while, on the other hand, made an announcement to spend huge money on the festivals to promote tourism.
Former Cabinet minister and senior BJP leader Alexander Laloo Hek described as “wasteful expenditure” the decision to spend Rs 14 crore to organise the series of festivals.
He said the funds could be put to better use such as to clear the pending salaries of teachers and contractual employees working in various government departments.
Hek criticised the government for spending money on festivals on one hand and burdening the citizens by increasing the state taxes on fuel to generate additional revenue.
J Jyrwa, a city resident, expressed her dissatisfaction with the government’s decisions. She said she is not against tourism festivals but spending such a huge amount is not worth it.
Retired bureaucrat and social activist Toki Blah said the state needs revenue and the government is entitled to raise taxes but the state is organising the festivals without knowing what kind of tourism it wants to promote.
“Are we talking about the tourism where tourists come from Guwahati in their car, go to some place, eat the food, litter the place and go back?” he asked.
He stressed that the government should engage some consultants of international repute to promote the state’s tourism sector.