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Dimapur, April 30 (EMN): Various trade bodies in Nagaland have opposed the state government’s decision to impose Covid-19 cess on petrol, diesel and other motor spirit.
The Confederation of Nagaland Chambers of Commerce and Industry, in a letter addressed to the chief minister, reasoned that the cess should either be rolled back completely or cut down by at least 75%.
It stated that the cess would push up the price of essential commodities as transportation costs increase. “Both the business community and consumers will be hit hard.”
The Business Association of Nagas also asked the chief minister to roll back the cess.
“The unprecedented enhancement on the fuel price will have cascading impact on all walks of life, primarily on the economic enterprises of the state. Moreover, with the consequent increase in the freight charges as also the agricultural production cost, the livelihoods of the citizens, particularly the rural masses will be drastically affected,” it stated.
The association maintained that, it is well aware of the financial stress the state government is facing.
“It is with this in mind that the association had approached the chief minister for a virtual dialogue with the participation all stakeholders with the intention of providing constructive inputs to salvage the entire state out of this tragedy. However, we are yet to receive and acknowledgement of the receipt of our request, let alone an opportunity to interact with the chief minister and the government machinery.
“Left with no other option, BAN is left compelled to appeal to the chief minister to roll back the levying of the cess with immediate effect,” read the statement.