Tax Hikes Rolled Back, Relief for Transporters and Border Residents

In a move that’s brought some much-needed relief to people across Himachal Pradesh, the state government has decided to withdraw recently increased tax rates. The announcement came from Naresh Chauhan, the Principal Media Advisor to the Chief Minister, who broke down the changes on Friday.

Chauhan was quick to clear up any confusion: “No new tax was introduced,” he said. “The rates that were hiked have now been brought back down. In fact, the Chief Minister has gone a step further and provided additional relief in several cases.”

One of the biggest wins is for families living near the Himachal-Punjab border. Residents within a 5-kilometer radius will now get concessional passes, making daily travel much easier. “People there were struggling because they have to cross state lines so often. These passes should ease that burden,” Chauhan explained.

Private bus operators and goods transporters haven’t been forgotten either. “We’ve given relief to all categories—whether you run a truck or a passenger bus. And if there are still issues, the government is ready to listen,” he said, adding that a transporters’ delegation recently met the Chief Minister directly.

On the political front, Chauhan defended a proposed law that could disqualify MLAs and cut off their pension benefits. “Pension is meant for those who complete their full term,” he stated. Under the new rule, any MLA disqualified by the Vidhan Sabha would lose those benefits.

He called it a “historic step” that would discourage defections and attempts to topple elected governments. “This will strengthen democracy and could even become a model for the rest of the country,” he added.

Taking a swipe at the BJP, Chauhan accused the opposition of opposing every decision without understanding it. “Their only goal seems to be weakening the elected government. But the people of Himachal have stood firmly with the Congress government.”

He also raised serious concerns about the Centre discontinuing the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG), calling it a major blow to the hill state. “We could lose between ₹8,000 and ₹10,000 crore every year. Himachal has very little farmland, almost no industries, and difficult terrain. Grants like RDG aren’t a luxury—they’re essential for our survival,” he said.

With a budget deficit already around 13%, Chauhan argued that the state simply can’t sustain development without central support. “This isn’t about asking for favours. It’s our right, and we will keep fighting for it,” he asserted.