Taxi operators in Himachal Pradesh are on a war path with the Government protesting against hike in vehicle tax, token tax and annual tax.
Taxis remained off road on March 1, 2012 in protest against the proposed hike causing inconvenience to scores of tourists. Private bus operators too joined the strike and no private buses and taxis operated in the state.
The taxi operators will again convene a meeting on March 9 and in case no solution is offered by the government, chances are the operators may go on an indefinite strike.
The annual fee for taxis was raised from Rs 500 to Rs 850, five-year fee from Rs 800 to Rs 2,100 and the permit fee has been raised from Rs. 100 to Rs. 500. The Excise and Taxation Department has also increased the tax from Rs 1,300 to Rs 2,400.
On one hand the government is handing over sops to its employees every month, it is the working class which is being taxed to pay for such sops.
The cash strapped government recently approved entry tax on all non Himachal registered vehicles entering Shimla despite entry tax being charged at Parwanoo, 90 km from Shimla.
UPDATE:
Himachal Pradesh Government has withdrawn the notification for increase in token tax on all commercial vehicles and the strike call has been withdrawn.
