Shimla, March 24 -- The Himachal Pradesh legislative assembly on Monday passed the Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026 -proposing imposing a widow and orphan cess on petrol and high-speed diesel-with voice vote amid uproar by the Opposition BJP.

The proposed levy will increase fuel prices across the state. The state government say the bill aims to generate steady source of income for welfare schemes for orphans and widows.

Speaking in the House, CM Sukhu said, "It (Protest) is regrettable .. The maximum limit for this cess is Rs.5, now, whether we choose to levy 10 paise or Rs.2, is at our discretion."

Defending the decision and slamming the opposition, Sukhu said, government is committed to strengthening economical...