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.
Premier David Eby, the leader of the minerals- and gas-rich province of British Columbia, spoke with executives at Tata Steel and Reliance Industries on a trade mission to India.
Overall, President Droupadi Murmu has approved Gallantry awards to 70 armed forces personnel, including six posthumous, on the eve of 77th Republic Day.
No nation other than China can negotiate one-on-one with Trump on an equal footing. That’s why the middle powers who so far formed the core of multilateral bodies now feel orphaned.
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