Ropar MLA seeks reciprocal entry tax on Himachal vehicles

Ropar AAP MLA Dinesh Chadha urged the state government to impose reciprocal entry tax on vehicles registered in Himachal. He and some villagers reached the Himachal entry tax barrier near Gahnauli and held a protest there. The MLA talked to Himachal excise officials on the phone and questioned the imposition of tax on people residing in border areas of Punjab.

Talking to The Tribune, the MLA alleged that Himachal was the only state in the country to impose entry tax on vehicles registered in other states. It was collecting about Rs 100 crore annually through entry tax and 90 per cent of it was being paid by Punjab residents. “I have written to CM Bhagwant Mann to take up the issue with the Himachal CM. In case the Himachal Government does not relent, Punjab should also impose reciprocal entry tax on vehicles registered in Himachal,” he said.

The issue of reciprocal entry tax on vehicles registered in Himachal was first raised by the Nangal Municipal Council. The council unanimously passed a resolution in July this year to impose reciprocal tax on vehicles registered in Himachal. The resolution is yet to get approval from the Secretary, Local Government. Minister for Education and Public Relations Harjot Singh Bain had also extended support to the protesters demanding abolition of entry tax by Himachal.