Shimla

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday said the government may restore the earlier system of collecting entry fees separately, amid ongoing controversy over the issue.

Speaking in the Assembly, Sukhu said the state had earlier merged different charges, including toll tax, with FASTag for convenience. However, the government is now considering returning to the previous system where fees were collected separately. He added that a final decision will be taken soon.

The Chief Minister made it clear that no increase has been made in any category of entry fee and alleged that confusion is being deliberately spread. He said misinformation about toll tax and entry fee has led to public concern and protests.

Addressing the issue’s inter-state aspect, Sukhu said he tried to contact Punjab Chief Minister regarding the matter but could not connect. He added that he has discussed the issue with Punjab Congress leaders Raja Warring and Partap Singh Bajwa.

The controversy has led to protests, especially from transporters and stakeholders in neighbouring Punjab. Earlier, Sukhu had stated that the government is reviewing the entry tax system and may rationalise it to avoid any law and order problems.

He also defended the policy, saying entry tax is not new and existed even during the previous BJP government. According to him, the current government has only made adjustments, and claims of a sharp increase are incorrect.