Rajasthan petroleum dealers threatens strike

Jaipur, Oct 4 (UNI) Rajasthan Petroleum Dealers Association (RPDA) has threatened indefinite strike from October 28 for fulfillment of their demands.

Addressing a press conference here today, RPDA president Suneet Bagai said the state government had constiuted a core committee in June under the chairmanship of Civil Supplies Minister Kirorilal Meena to study the various issues concerning the petroleum dealers including the implementation of VAT, composition of lube oil and higher sales tax. He said the government has promised redresal of their grievances before July 31. But has not initiated any steps till now.

He said contrary to the assurance given by the finance secretary, the sales tax department has been serving notices to petroleum dealers pressuring them to pay VAT. He said the state is incurring huge loss in revenue due to high sales tax as diesel and petrol sale is being diverted to the neighbouring states.

General secretary Prakash Gawalera said the petroleum dealers in the state were bearing the brunt of exorbitant sales tax, sale of stolen diesel and petrol and plumeting sales. In about 15 districts of the state, illegal sale of deisel and petrol is rampant. The state government has not been able to curb such sales causing loss to the dealers and government.

He said the government has also increased the earnest deposit 50 times. He said the RPDA has decided not to deposit the earnest money.

UNI PJJ PA VV1822