Cess for Roads and Tolls on Roads...

[karira]

I think since 2000 or 2001, we are paying Re. 1.00 per litre of Petrol and Diesel, as Road Cess for building better Highways and Roads.

Can anyone inform me as to which authority collects this tax and who is responsible for the "administration", "disbursal" and "proper use" of these collections for the last 8 years or so.

Can I get a account of all the "cess" collected for last 8 years and how it was spent ?

The reason being that inspite of all the "road cess" collected, most of the new roads being built are charging a "toll" for usage, irrespective of whether they are on BOT basis or just a expansion or widening of a existing road. "Tolls" are also being collected on some bridges.

Which PA to address my querry for information ?

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[ganpat1956]

Sponsorer

Which PA to address my querry for information ?

As per a news report in The Hindu that appeared two years ago, road cess revenues accrue to National Highways Authority of India. Other than this , there are certain state governments (like Karnataka) which have introduced a road cess of 10% on select commodities to enhance their revenue.

If you dig deep into it, every other state govt will be having this source under one guise or the other. It is possible that you may end up with an RTI application on each state besides the centre.

[karira]

Ok, got a brief idea about this:

1. There is something called the "Consolidated Road Fund" established in 2000.
2. Original cess was Re. 1.00 per litre of diesel and petrol.
Increased by Re. 0.50 twice in later years. So now we pay Rs. 2.00 per litre.
3. Sharing mechanism as per "formula" has been established between centre and states.
4. Governing authority is MINISTRY OF SHIPPING, ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGHWAYS,<o></o> DEPARTMENT OF ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGHWAYS. CPIO details available.

Will draft a application and then post here for more inputs.

[ganpat1956]

Good luck & best wishes

[taurus]

Thanks. That is a very good effort.