Seeking to clarify his remarks on the taxation of diesel vehicles, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said on Thursday that he wanted to convey to automobile manufacturers the need to take steps to reduce pollution and also added that there is no proposal to levy a tax on such vehicles.
Earlier this week, the road, transport, and highway minister's remarks regarding the need to levy a 10 percent tax on diesel-run vehicles to help cut emissions generated lots of controversy.
"I am not against diesel fuel, and neither are we going to levy any tax on diesel vehicles," Gadkari told CNBC-TV18.
The road transport and highways minister noted that, from a pollution point of view, diesel is very hazardous and is really causing health problems in the country.
Gadkari emphasised that he is not against any industry and pointed out that the government is already giving incentives for electric cars.
"So my suggestion to the industry is that the best way to reduce pollution is to concentrate on alternative fuel," he added.
On September 12, speaking at the annual convention of automobile manufacturers body SIAM, Gadkari had said rising pollution levels are a serious health concern and there is a case for increasing taxes to dissuade the sale of diesel vehicles.
"I am requesting the Finance Minister to impose an additional 10 per cent GST on diesel engines and vehicles.This is the only way to phase out diesel vehicles," he had said. But soon after, he took to social media platform X to clarify the government's position.
"It is essential to clarify that there is no such proposal currently under active consideration by the government," he had said in a post on X, referring to media reports quoting him as suggesting an additional 10 per cent GST on diesel vehicles.
Automobiles are currently taxed at 28 per cent GST, with additional cess ranging from 1 per cent to 22 per cent depending on the type of vehicle.
SUVs attract the highest GST at the rate of 28 per cent along with a compensation cess at 22 per cent.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Featured Video Of The Day
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Checks Out New Mahindra BE 6, XEV 9E Electric SUVs Big Bastar Fraud: 'Sunny Leone' Beneficiary Of Chhattisgarh Scheme For Women Biden Signs Key Bill, Averting Government Shutdown Days Before Christmas "Congress Should Be Ready...": Mani Shankar Aiyar's Big INDIA Bloc Remark 3 Marriages, Rs 1.25 Crore: How 'Looting Bride' Targeted Rich Men Ex IAS Trainee Officer Puja Khedkar Denied Pre-Arrest Bail In UPSC Case More Than Half Of Kolkata's Iconic Yellow Taxis To Be Off Roads In 2025 Data Exclusivity Anti Poor, Anti-Farmer, Anti Self-Reliance: Ashwani Mahajan Year Ender 2024: What Donald Trump's Return To White House Means For World Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.