Circular dated 25 October cites constitutional provisions to say that no such levies can be imposed. Matter subjudice, says Himachal Water Cess Commission chairman Amitabh Avasthi.
The water cess was opposed by Union govt, as well as neighbouring states of Punjab & Haryana. Sukhu govt says it decided to levy tax 'in line with' BJP-ruled Uttarakhand.
Those drawing water for power generation must now register with 'State Commission for Water Cess on Hydropower Generation'. Some companies have challenged state's water cess bill in HC.
State officials say the Himachal Pradesh government's submission in high court Wednesday is contrary to response received from stakeholders in a meeting last week.
Move comes at a time when state is locked in a tussle with Punjab & Haryana over the cess, while power generation companies have even moved HC challenging the levy.
Union govt letter dated 31 March says states imposing cess on hydel projects may not get access to power from central government's pool of unallocated quota in Central Generating Stations.
Power regulator says impact on consumers will be additional Rs 1.20-1.30 tariff per unit. Ex-govt officials argue that if govt pays subsidy, talk of revenue generation could be amateur idea.
Despite growing passenger volume, 11 out of 14 carriers reported losses in 2023-24. IndiGo recorded profit of Rs 8,167 crore, which reduced to Rs 7.253 crore in 2024-25.
Of the total package, $649 million will be utilised for additional hardware, software, and support services, and the remaining for Major Defence Equipment (MDE).
None of Pakistan’s PMs has lasted 5 years. That the current PM has given Asim Munir 5 years shows that of all military dictatorships history has seen, Pakistan’s is most creative.
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