The article ‘Why the price rise in petrol, diesel is justified’ (September 14) by Anand Kalyanaraman is misleading. When there was a steep fall in crude prices, the Centre didn’t pass on the benefit to consumers; it retained the benefit by increasing excise duty at regular intervals. Since April 2014, it’s been revised 11 times.

When a demand was made in 2015 and 2016 for a proportionate reduction in diesel and petrol prices, the Centre said the excise collection was utilised to improve infrastructure. However, it gave an assurance that excise duty would be reduced if crude prices went up. Between June 16 and September 13, the cost of crude oil (Indian basket) has risen nearly 10 per cent. The Government should now absorb the increase by reducing excise duty.

An attempt is being made to depict State governments as villains in this issue. This is not true. State governments charge VAT/sales tax on a percentage basis on the price excluding excise duty and dealers’ commission. When the basic price goes down, VAT goes down.

To retain VAT collection at the existing level when prices were falling, the State governments were increasing the rate of VAT/sales tax. There is no substantial increase in revenue.

B Sukumaran

Email

Painful reforms

With reference to ‘Centre rules out any move to regulate petrol, diesel price’ (September 14), the sharp hike in fuel prices since the introduction of the system of daily revision has come as a rude shock. The minister’s comments make you wonder if this government cares about the welfare of the public. The high costs are on account of a steep hike in excise duty shared by the Central and State governments. It is well within the control of the Centre to bring down the rate of excise duty.

The refusal to bring petrol and diesel under GST citing opposition from States is not convincing. Seeing how prices of essential commodities have zoomed post implementation of reform measures makes you wonder if the Government is moving in the right direction.

What’s the point of reform if it’s only going to squeeze the public from all directions.

Srinivasan Velamur

Chennai

There is nothing that warrants reduction of duties and taxes. Any intervention by the Government to reduce selling price will be counter-productive and increase fiscal deficit and indirect inflation.

S Kalyanasundaram

Email

Nurse the nurses

‘Healing the wound’ (editorial, September 14) rightly calls for the payment of minimum wages to nurses and linking it to performance. No aggrieved nurse can impart his/her optimal service in this very crucial industry. Erring hospitals should be stripped of their licences and a huge penalty must be levied for repeat offences. Since India does not have a social security net for health the respective governments must speedily redress the nurses’ grievances.

B Rajasekaran

Bengaluru

Nurture talent

This refers to ‘Helping employees find their voice’ bySravanthi Challapalli (September 14). Many people do not get opportunities to put their talents to effective use in companies. This is unfortunate because these skills could raise standards and should be utilised. This applies to Government and private employment; employers do not value their worth and hence lose valuable inputs.

TR Anandan

Coimbatore

Clear the highways

The National Highways Authority of India ordering the removal of encroachments, illegally parked vehicles, and hoardings and advertisements from national highways, is welcome. Highways are intended for heavy traffic and all these are a hindrance.

KA Solaman

Alappuzha, Kerala

Erratum

In the story ‘Tie-up to restore elephant corridors in Meghalaya’ (September 13), Body Shop was identified as an American cosmetics and perfumes major. Body Shop is in fact an UK-based global brand. The error is regretted.

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