NEW DELHI: The Himachal Pradesh government has proposed a new cess on petrol and diesel to fund welfare measures for orphans and widows.Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday introduced the Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the assembly, seeking to levy an “orphan and widow cess” on petrol and high-speed diesel, news agency PTI reported.The proposed levy, which is a completely new tax, will be imposed on the first sale of fuel within the state, meaning it will be charged when oil marketing companies sell petrol or diesel to dealers, and not at every stage of retail sale.The rate of the cess will be notified by the government, with an upper cap of Rs 5 per litre.According to the Bill, the state currently runs multiple schemes for orphans and widows, but lacks a dedicated, permanent funding mechanism. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Israel pounds Tehran as Iranians mark Nowruz; UAE, Kuwait defences respond to missile barrage’World’s first hit’: Iran claims strike on US F-35 lightning 2 – why it’s a big dealIran hits Ras Laffan facility: Qatar’s 17% LNG capacity gone, $20bn loss; which countries will be impacted?The cess aims to create a steady revenue stream for a welfare fund targeted at these groups.All proceeds from the levy will be credited directly to the orphan and widow welfare fund, which will be used to provide financial assistance and support.Sukhu said the move is aimed at strengthening support for vulnerable sections. Once passed by assembly, the Bill will be sent for final assent before it comes into force across the state.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’The World Is Saying Only India Can Stop This War’: RSS Chief’s Big Statement On Peace And HarmonyPremium Petrol Prices Hiked By Up To ₹2.35 Per Litre In India Amid West Asia ConflictPakistan’s Fake War Narrative Exposed: India Busts Digital Attack After Iran’s IRIS Dena StrikeIndia Warns Against Attacks On Commercial Ships Amid Hormuz Crisis, Calls For Peace And DialogueRestraint vs Outrage: Congress Divide Exposed Again As Shashi Tharoor Backs Modi Govt On Iran CrisisIndia Faces Energy Shock As Qatar’s LNG Output Drops By 17% After Missile Strike Damages Ras Laffan’Your Husband Will Die’ Retired Navy Officer Turned Astrologer Used Fear To Rape, Blackmail WomanIndia Draws Red Line: Shashi Tharoor Rejects Donald Trump Call, Signals Strategic Autonomy Over WarIndia Blasts Pakistan At United Nations, Says Must End Terror Before Talking Of Indus Waters TreatyDelhi HC Orders Tight Security In Uttam Nagar After Eid Threat Remark123PhotostoriesWhy no one stays in this forest after sunset: Unraveling the mystery of Nidhi Van6 spiritual cities emerging as India’s real estate hotspots in 20265 ways to use avocado peel in daily meal plans10 simple activities that boost memory and cognition naturally‘Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein’, ‘Andaz Apna Apna’, ‘Dhol’: Films that failed at first but became cult classics over timeInside Shiv Nadar’s Luxurious Delhi Residence: A blend of art, elegance, and grandeurDhokla recipe mistakes: 6 common mistakes to avoid while making dhokla‘Garam Masala’, ‘Hera Pheri’, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’: Must-watch Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan films on OTT before ‘Bhooth Bangla’Delhi Metro hits new heights: Inside its tallest-ever engineering marvel6 ways you unknowingly invite bad treatment – And how to fix it, as per psychologist123Hot PicksIran newsGlobal Terrorism Index 2026World Happiness Report 2026Gold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingElena GaleraUttarakhand High CourtAndhra Pradesh high courtQatar LNG ExportsIran Karaj Missile PlantIsrael Haifa Refinery AttackStrait of HormuzMaharastra LocalsAli Mohammed NainiPremium Petrol Price Hike
NEW DELHI: The Himachal Pradesh government has proposed a new cess on petrol and diesel to fund welfare measures for orphans and widows.Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday introduced the Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the assembly, seeking to levy an “orphan and widow cess” on petrol and high-speed diesel, news agency PTI reported.The proposed levy, which is a completely new tax, will be imposed on the first sale of fuel within the state, meaning it will be charged when oil marketing companies sell petrol or diesel to dealers, and not at every stage of retail sale.The rate of the cess will be notified by the government, with an upper cap of Rs 5 per litre.According to the Bill, the state currently runs multiple schemes for orphans and widows, but lacks a dedicated, permanent funding mechanism. The cess aims to create a steady revenue stream for a welfare fund targeted at these groups.All proceeds from the levy will be credited directly to the orphan and widow welfare fund, which will be used to provide financial assistance and support.Sukhu said the move is aimed at strengthening support for vulnerable sections. Once passed by assembly, the Bill will be sent for final assent before it comes into force across the state.
