THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said in a press conference that the state government introduced a cess of Rs 2 per litre on petrol and diesel to provide social security pension to 65 lakh people.

"Earlier, the state had many sources of tax revenue. Now, it only has liquor and petrol. There is no other way but to lay hands on it. There is no other way to raise funds for projects needed by the state. The government introduced cess not to harm the people but to give them a better life. The poor should be given conditions to live," the CM said.

"People are in favour of fuel cess because they are aware that the state needs money to pay social pensions. There will be no dispute if taxation is for the public good. Some countries have imposed taxes up to 65 percent of the income. People there don't question because there is social security in those countries. Cess is levied only once. On the other hand, the Centre increases the price every month. That's what needs to change," he said.