Shimla, March 23 -- Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Monday passed the Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026, paving the way for the levying of an 'Orphan and Widow Cess' on petrol and high-speed diesel to fund welfare schemes for vulnerable sections. The Bill was cleared amid a walkout and strong protest by the Opposition BJP members.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who also holds the finance portfolio, said the amendment seeks to create a dedicated and sustainable funding mechanism to support orphans and widows in the state.
He underlined that the government intends to provide financial security and expand welfare programmes for economically weaker beneficiaries through a ring-fenced fund.
The legislation proposes ...