Shimla: The Congress government has recently ordered a tax on household toilet seats in Himachal Pradesh under a new scheme. This decision has drawn significant criticism on social media, with many questioning the rationale behind it.
Tax Imposed Amid Economic Struggles
Shimla: As prices for essential commodities like milk, petrol, water, and electricity continue to rise, the imposition of a tax on toilet seats by Chief Minister Sukhu’s Congress government has raised eyebrows. Residents of Himachal Pradesh will now be taxed based on the number of toilet seats in their homes. The state government is grappling with economic challenges, facing a debt of ₹96,000 crore.
Tax Details
According to a notification related to sewerage and water bills, residents in urban areas will be charged ₹25 per toilet seat each month. This fee is to be transferred to the account of the Water Power Department.
CM Sukhu Denies Knowledge of Tax
Chief Minister Sukhu stated that he was unaware of the tax and provided clarification in Delhi regarding the issue. The Congress party has faced extensive criticism over this decision, prompting Himachal’s Additional Secretary Omkar Sharma to also issue a clarification. It is worth noting that he was the one who released the notification.
Additional Secretary’s Clarification
Omkar Sharma explained that the notification was issued on September 21, but the sewerage charge order was later withdrawn following objections from the Deputy Chief Minister. He indicated that the tax was based on outdated considerations and has now been revoked. A new notification regarding sewerage charges will be issued soon.
Different Ideologies of Congress and BJP
This incident highlights a stark contrast between Prime Minister Modi and Rahul Gandhi. Currently, this tax is only applicable in Himachal Pradesh, but if Congress were in power across the country, one might wonder about the implications. While Prime Minister Modi emphasizes the construction of toilets in every home, Rahul Gandhi appears to be forcing citizens to search for alternatives, reminiscent of a time when many relied on basic sanitation facilities.
