Jharkhand trade body warns path tax will raise prices & hurt small businesses

Ranchi, Sept. 28 -- The Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce has strongly opposed the draft Jharkhand Municipal Path Tax Rules, 2025 released by the state's Urban Development andHousing Department, calling the proposal "unworkable" and "against the spirit of OneNation, One Tax."At a meeting held at the Chamber building today, office-bearers said that imposing an additional levy on commercial vehicles would disrupt trade, burden small businesses and transporters, and ultimately raise the cost of essential goods.

"This amounts to double taxation since vehicle owners are already paying motor vehicle tax, tolltax, GST and bus stand fees," the Chamber stated in its memorandum to the department.

The Chamber warned that transport costs would rise sharp...