Shimla, March 23 -- Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday strongly defended the Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which proposes a levy in the form of a "widow and orphan cess", saying the move is aimed at securing the future of vulnerable families through sustainable financial support.

Speaking to the media after the eighth day of the Budget Session, Sukhu said the legislation was brought to ensure the long-term welfare of widows and orphaned children, including support for housing, education and livelihood.

"Where the government becomes the guardian of orphans and widows, it is our responsibility to ensure their children's education and create permanent sources of income for them so th...