Rajasthan: The Raje-led BJP government in Rajisthan has mooted a proposal to impose cow cess on alcohol.
The declared aim of the proposal seeking imposition of cow cess on alcohol is to generate additional revenue for the welfare of cows.
Cow welfare has been a pet theme of Rajasthan government.
In the BJP-ruled state, where the ruling dispensation has a separate ministry dedicated to cow welfare, cow cess on liquor may not seem to be out of the ordinary.
Vasundhara Raje government has decided to increase the grants given to cow shelters for fodder and for welfare and maintenance of cows in various government-run shelters in the state.
Rajasthan is amongst those states which has maximum livestock. For the first time in Rajasthan, there has been a policy decision in the budget to give grants to cow shelters continuously for 9 months. The Rajasthan government is trying to arrange for finances. Various types of proposals have been received. Whether the cess will be in a form of surcharge or excise duty or something else is to be decided.
Thousands of cows had earlier died in the state during the present Vasundhara Raje regime allegedly due to neglect and lack of upkeep at the government-funded shelters.
The Congress has alleged that the funds generated by cow cess will not be utilised for the intended purpose.
The government is trying to appease a particular vote bank. Earlier the government introduced a 20 per cent increase in tax on stamp duty. And now there are plans to tax the liquor as well. Most of the livestock in the state is dying. The funds will not be used for the welfare of the cows.
– Archana Sharma, Congress spokesperson told the media.
Panchayati Raj minister Rajendra Rathore said that the plans about cow cess are being deliberated upon. He said that there has not been any policy decision so far and discussions are going on.
