Chandigarh, Feb 20: A wide coalition of Punjab government officials and opposition leaders has condemned Himachal Pradesh’s decision to raise entry taxes on external vehicles to 170 rupees. The move has prompted the Punjab administration to prepare a formal grievance for the Central Government, citing violations of transport regulations on national infrastructure.
Minister Harjot Singh Bains asserted that the levy is being applied to national highways, which falls outside the state’s jurisdiction. He maintained that the Punjab government is ready to fight a legal battle to ensure the tax is struck down.
“The tax was being imposed on national highways and toll roads of NHAI, which was unconstitutional,” Bains affirmed. He stated that the people living in the border areas of Punjab were being taxed illegally by the Himachal Government and declared that a meeting with the Union Transport Ministry is the next logical step.
The economic implications for the region have been noted by local representatives who fear a decline in cross-border commerce. MLA Dinesh Chadha declared that by increasing the entry tax, the Himachal government was risking the stability of its tourism sector. He stated that for those with work and family relations across the border, the entry tax is an unjust barrier.
Criticism also arrived from the Punjab BJP, with Subhash Sharma noting that the Congress-led government in Himachal appears to have lost its ability to govern effectively. He stated that the roads were brought up by the Union Government and are the property of the nation.
The resistance is not limited to Punjab, as several groups within Himachal Pradesh have voiced similar frustrations. MLA Satpal Satti has demanded the abolition of the fee, noting that it impacts local harmony and trade. Meanwhile, social organizations in the Ropar district have stated they are planning protests if the Himachal government does not withdraw the hike immediately.
