Opposition-ruled states call for additional levy for 5 yrs

Suggest that duty be levied on sin goods to compensate for revenue loss

- MONIKA YADAV & HIMANSHI BHARDWAJ

Eight Opposition-ruled states including Karnataka, Jharkhand, Punjab, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, and Himachal Pradesh on Friday suggested additional levy over and above proposed 40 per cent on sin and luxury goods to compensate the states for the likely revenue loss arising from the goods and services tax (GST) rate rationalisation exercise for five years or beyond till the earnings stabilise.

At a consultative meeting in the capital, ahead of the GST Council's meeting on September 3-4, these states supported the Centre's proposal for rationalisation. However, they stressed that the benefits of lower rates should be passed on to the common man.