“The fuel surcharge has been withdrawn for all domestic and agricultural consumers. This will put an extra burden of Rs 2,500 crore on the state government,” CM Ashok Gehlot said, announcing the waiver. The government currently gives 100 units of free power to all and the fuel surcharge is not levied from domestic consumers using power up to 200 units.
Govt to examine proportionate hike in SC/ST quota, says CM
The fuel surcharge has been charged on consumers based on the difference between the approved variable cost and the actual cost of inputs such as coal by Discoms. The opposition BJP had alleged that the Discoms were charging higher fuel surcharges to compensate for the revenue loss.
Addressing the media on the sidelines of a function, Gehlot said the government would examine a proportionate hike in the quota of SC/ST in government jobs in the light of the Supreme Court decision to remove the 50% cap following the granting of 10% reservation for the economically backward classes (EWS).
He said the Congress was all set to retain power in the state and raids by central agencies would actually help the party in winning the upcoming assembly election.
