New Delhi:
Amid the coal crisis in several states in the nation, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday lashed out at the central government while accusing the later of being unable to arrange coal.
“Coal being imported is coming at high prices and you are (Centre) not giving royalty to the states anyway. The Government of India is not able to arrange coal and other things. They have stopped distributing coal supply to sectors other than the electricity department,” Baghel told media persons.
The CM further asked the Centre that why did it stopped the passenger train services if there was no shortage of coal.
“Total 23 goods trains from Chhattisgarh were cancelled, then when I talked to the Railway Minister, six trains were started,” he added.
When asked about any plans to reduce the value-added tax (VAT) in Chhattisgarh, Baghel asked, “Rates get increased by the Government of India and VAT should be decreased by the state? Are you (the Centre) giving GST completely to all states?”
“Chhattisgarh alone has to take Rs 30,000 crores of revenue for GST, central excise and coal penalty,” Baghel added.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon Opposition-ruled states to follow the Centre’s decision by reducing taxes on petrol and diesel to provide relief to the people from the price hike.
(With inputs from ANI)
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