CM clarifies Himachal govt hasn’t imposed Rs 5 fuel cess yet; accuses LoP Thakur of ‘misleading media in Delhi’

Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh govt has not yet imposed a Rs 5 per litre hike on petrol and high-speed diesel under the proposed ‘orphan and widow cess', chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu told the legislative assembly on Wednesday.Replying during question hour on the 10th day of the budget session, Sukhu said the assembly had only passed the Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026, on March 23, and it is yet to receive the governor's assent. The act will be notified thereafter, following which the cabinet will decide whether to impose the cess and at what rate. He clarified that Rs 5 per litre is only the upper limit under the bill, and the levy could be much lower.Sukhu accused leader of opposition Jai Ram Thakur of misleading the media in Delhi after meeting the Prime Minister, claiming the cess had already been implemented. Thakur, raising a point of order, objected to the remark and said he had only stated that the bill was passed despite BJP's opposition and walkout. He added he discussed Himachal's issues with the PM.The chief minister also dismissed speculation about the govt's stability, asserting it would complete its term.BOXState to boost green cover Sukhu said the govt, along with NHAI, will undertake plantation and beautification along national highways. Industrialists will be encouraged to plant trees on barren hills under CSR and earn carbon credits. Forest cover currently stands at 29.5% and is targeted to rise to 32% by 2030. Under the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana, Rs 13.22 crore has been spent till January 31, 2026, covering 878 hectares through mahila mandals, yuvak mandals and self-help groups.Best MLA award proposed Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania announced plans to introduce a Best MLA Award based on attendance, participation and quality of debates.Oppn flags unanswered queries Jai Ram Thakur and BJP MLAs criticised the govt for not responding for two years on institutions closed after the change in regime. Sukhu said details would be shared in the next session, citing ongoing merger processes.