New Delhi. The Congress government of Karnataka has given a big shock to the people of the state as soon as the Lok Sabha elections were over. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has increased the sales tax on petrol and diesel. Due to this, petrol became costlier by Rs 3 and diesel by Rs 3.05. As per the government order, Karnataka Sales Tax (KST) on petrol has been increased from 25.92 percent to 29.84 percent. At the same time, the tax on diesel has been increased from 14.3 percent to 18.4 percent. The Finance Department has said that these increased rates of petrol and diesel will be effective immediately.
According to the Finance Department, due to the increased prices of petrol and diesel, the government will earn an additional income of about Rs 2,500-2,800 crore in the current financial year. In fact, the Congress had promised in the assembly elections that if it forms the government in the state, it will implement five guarantees. These guarantees include 200 units of free electricity to all households (Griha Jyoti), financial assistance of Rs 2,000 every month to the female head of every family, 10 kg free rice to every member of BPL family, Rs 3,000 every month for unemployed graduate youth and Rs 1,500 (Yuva Nidhi) for two years to unemployed diploma holders (both in the age group of 18-25) and free travel for women in government buses.
#WATCH Petrol and diesel prices are likely to go up in Karnataka as the state govt revises sales tax by 29.84% and 18.44%. According to the Petroleum Dealers Association, petrol and diesel prices are likely to go up by Rs 3 and Rs 3.05 approximately in Karnataka.
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Now to fulfill these guarantees, the state government has to spend 50 thousand crores to 60 thousand crores annually. The government wants to increase its income by increasing taxes on various products so that the election promise can be fulfilled. At the same time, people are disappointed with the increased price of petrol and diesel. When people were talked to in this regard, they said that due to the increase in fuel prices, there will be an additional burden on the pocket.