Fuel price hike comes into effect in Kerala; UDF to observe black day

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The hike in prices of petrol, diesel and liquor have come into effect in Kerala from today based on the new budget proposals. The UDF will observe today as a black day in protest against the hike. The UDF workers in all panchayats and municipalities in the state will wear black badges. UDF convener M M Hassan said that they will also raise black flags across the state.

A march will be held from Martyrs’ Column in Palayam to the Secretariat at 11 am. UDF district committees will organize protests in all districts. Hassan had criticized in a press release against the unscientific hike in water tax, electricity charges, building tax and fuel prices. He said that it is increasing the burden of the people.

Meanwhile, the cess on petrol and diesel has been increased by Rs 2 as part of collecting fund for social security pension. The government is expecting Rs 750 crore to the exchequer through this. The price hike came into effect from 12 am. Liquor priced between Rs 500 and Rs 999 will cost Rs 20 more and Rs 40 more for liquor priced above Rs 1,000. The fair value of land increased by 20 percent. The land, which had a fair value of Rs 1 lakh per cent, has become Rs 1,20,000 from today. The registration cost has also gone up proportionately. The stamp duty on flats and apartments, which are sold within six months of construction, has been increased from five percent to seven percent. The increase in building tax and sub-taxes is five percent.

Vehicle tax has also increased. Motorcycles worth up to Rs 2 lakh will have to pay an additional tax of two percent. One-time cess charged on new vehicle registration have been increased. For two-wheelers the price is hiked from Rs 50 to Rs 100, for four-wheelers from Rs 100 to Rs 200 and heavy vehicles from Rs 250 to Rs 500. The rate of judicial court fee stamps also increased by one percent. Electricity duty applicable to commercial and industrial units will rise to five percent. The relaxations announced in some sectors also came into effect. The provision of double stamp duty has been waived off if the land bought is sold within three months. No building tax for a BPL family living in a 30 square meter house.