The massive cesses and taxes being imposed on liquor and fuel show desperation of governments for revenue. These knee-jerk decisions can only be for the short-term and won’t earn much as unreasonable hikes can make alcohol unaffordable to large sections. And prove counter-productive by pushing drinkers towards dangerous illicit liquor.
Killing of Hizbul’s Riyaz Naikoo a huge victory, but forces must be ready for violence escalation
The killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Riyaz Naikoo is a huge victory and morale booster for security forces. He had escaped multiple searches and held HM together after Burhan Wani’s killing and split by Zakir Musa. But forces should also be prepared for an escalation of violence, like after Wani.
The states are in a bind. Funds due to them are not being released by the Centre. Revenue from registration of property has ground to a halt. Fuel consumption sharply down. Many fewer transactions that would generate what was earlier called sales tax. A drought till recently on excise from liquor. The economic prospect for the medium term hazy. Big brother’s lawn in Delhi, the grass looks greener but is equally scorched by the sun. Paying salaries is going to be a stretch. 2. In a post Covid 19 world, no large farm loan waivers, statues, memorials, vanity projects. A time for genuine austerity. When one sees the plight of the migrants, their rulers cannot live like nabobs.