Shimla, Aug. 11 -- The Himachal Pradesh government officially imposed a Widow and Orphan Cess of 60 paise per litre on petrol and high-speed diesel, with the levy coming into force from midnight on August 11.

The State Taxes and Excise Department issued a notification on Tuesday under Section 6-A of the Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax Act, 2005, authorising the levy at the point of first sale of petrol and high-speed diesel in the state.

According to the notification, the Orphan and Widow Cess will be charged at Rs.0.60 (60 paise) per litre on both petrol and high-speed diesel. The notification has been issued with the approval of the Council of Ministers.

The move follows the passage of the Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax (Amendment...