CHANDIGARH: Following widespread protests, the Himachal Pradesh government has reversed its decision to increase entry tax on certain vehicles. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced in the state assembly in Shimla that the proposed hike for five-seater and 6-to-12-seater vehicles has been withdrawn, just hours before it was set to take effect at midnight.
As per the revised decision, the earlier rates will remain in place: Rs 70 for five-seater vehicles and Rs 110 for vehicles with 6 to 12 seats. The government had initially planned to raise these to Rs 170 and Rs 130 respectively.
Despite the rollback, protestors have decided to continue their agitation until an official notification is issued. Paramjit Singh Pamma, a leader of the Sangharsh Morcha, stated that the dharna would persist until formal confirmation is received. He also emphasized that their demand is not just a partial rollback, but either a complete exemption for Punjab’s border areas or a reciprocal tax by Punjab on Himachal vehicles.
The issue gained traction during the assembly session when Randhir Sharma raised concerns about growing unrest in border areas. The BJP also staged protests ahead of the session.
The proposed hike had triggered strong reactions in neighboring Punjab and Haryana, especially among residents in border districts and transport operators. Truck operators pointed out steep increases in taxes for commercial vehicles, including a rise from Rs 320 to Rs 570 for six-wheeled goods vehicles, and from Rs 570 to Rs 800 for multi-axle vehicles over 25,000 kg.
Meanwhile, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring thanked CM Sukhu for rolling back the decision. He said he personally conveyed his gratitude over a phone call and appreciated the move to restore the previous tax rates.
Additionally, residents living within a 5-kilometer radius of the Himachal-Punjab border will be granted free entry through special passes issued by local authorities, providing further relief to border communities.