Opposition Parties Including CAP, BJP Urge Sikkim Govt to Withdraw Vehicle Tax Hike Notification

Opposition Parties Including CAP, BJP Urge Sikkim Govt to Withdraw Vehicle Tax Hike Notification

Opposition political parties including BJP, and Citizen Action Party (CAP) in Sikkim are urging the state’s Transport Department to withdraw its recent notification that enforces a significant hike in vehicle taxes, expressing concerns over its impact on the common people.

The increase, effective from 1 October 2024, requires vehicle owners to pay double the previous rates as part of the revised Motor Vehicles Tax, which was introduced by the Motor Vehicles Division of the Transport Department on 12 September. The new rates apply across various vehicle categories, affecting both private and commercial owners.

The Citizen Action Party (CAP), one of the key opposition groups, submitted a formal memorandum to the Transport Secretary, Raj Yadav highlighting the adverse effects this tax hike would have on the lower-income population.

The party expressed concerns over how the decision would worsen the financial burden on those already struggling with the rising cost of living. “This decision will further strain those already struggling with the rising cost of living,” the CAP stated in its memorandum, urging the government to reconsider the hike.

The Sikkim unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also raised the concerns during a press conference, where its leaders strongly criticized the state government’s decision. They emphasized that the increased tax rates would disproportionately affect common people and small businesses that rely on vehicles for their livelihood.

Moreover, the opposition warned that failing to address the issue would deepen economic hardship for a large portion of the population, urging the government to take prompt measures.

Also read: Sikkim Government Unveils Major Developmental Projects to Boost Tourism and Infrastructure

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