Milk and Environment Cess Sparks Debate in Vidhan Sabha

In the Vidhan Sabha, a heated discussion erupted over the newly imposed milk and environment cess on electricity bills. While the Congress claims it supports the rural economy and environmental protection, the BJP questions its necessity, emphasizing its impact on the hotel industry.

In a tense session of the Vidhan Sabha on Wednesday, the ruling Congress clashed with the opposition BJP over the controversial milk and environment cess on electricity bills, inciting sarcastic exchanges between politicians.

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri defended the cess, stating it supports the milk-based rural economy and environmental initiatives. Agnihotri pointed out that the charges apply to commercial entities, like hotels, at 10 paise per unit, without significantly burdening common citizens.

The debate intensified when BJP leader Jairam Thakur questioned the rationale behind the cess, noting numerous complaints from the hotel industry over high power bills. He urged the exclusion of hotels from the cess. Agnihotri mentioned a Rs 1,555 crore subsidy for affordable electricity and additional aid for tourism, emphasizing consumer recourse through the Electricity Redressal Forum.

(With inputs from agencies.)