The Vasundhara Raje government in Rajasthan is planning to levy “cow cess” on liquor. The plan has been sent to the governor and the government is waiting for his approval, Hindustan Times report said.
The government is yet to finalise how much “cow cess” should be levied on which liquor, an official told HT.
In the state, already a 10 per cent surcharge is applicable on stamp duty for cow protection. In April last year, the finance department had imposed a 10 per cent surcharge on all non-judicial instruments.
Interestingly, those making rent agreements, mortgage papers and lease agreements in Rajasthan might have to shell out more money as the government is also considering to double the surcharge on stamp duty from 10 per cent to 20 per cent.
In one year, the Raje government has generated Rs 235 crore in revenue from the cow surcharge levied on stamp duty.
Rajasthan has 2,562 registered cow shelters and 9.6 lakh bovines for which Rs 490 crore is required as the grant for six months, a senior official said.
The surcharge imposed was inadequate in comparison to grants required for cow shelters, the official added.