Cong asks MP govt to slash VAT to half

Bhopal: Former leader of Opposition in the state assembly and veteran Congress leader Ajay Singh on Sunday demanded a 50% cut in VAT by the state govt on petrol and diesel.In a press statement issued here, Singh said that the increase in rates of petrol and diesel has put prices of all the essential commodities on fire. Due to spurt in transportation costs, the prices of essential commodities, particularly edible goods, have doubled in the last few days, making lives of common people miserable, he saidSingh further said that to contain the inflationary pressure on the market, the state govt should immediately reduce VAT by half. If it’s done, the prices of all the commodities will automatically come down, giving much needed relief to the people.He further demanded that the state govt should immediately start distribution of wheat, rice, pulses, edible oil and sugar from PDS outlets at controlled prices.Singh said that the poor section of society has been worst hit by the uncontrolled rise in prices. Other sections of society have also been hit and the state govt should give them substantial relief by reducing the heavy VAT duty charged on fuel.