On Tuesday, national media reports claimed that Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari has proposed that an additional 10% GST be levied on diesel vehicles in order to discourage the use of carbon fuels. The news has been refuted by the BJP leader and Union Minister.
"It is essential to clarify that there is no such proposal currently under active consideration by the government," he tweeted in the afternoon.
He added that the Government is committed to achieving Carbon Net Zero by 2070. "To reduce air pollution levels caused by hazardous fuels like diesel, as well as the rapid growth in automobile sales, it is imperative to actively embrace cleaner and greener alternative fuels. These fuels should be import substitutes, cost-effective, indigenous, and pollution-free," Gadkari wrote.
Thanking the Minister, a Twitter user wrote, "I understand the push towards EV and cleaner alternatives, but the transition needs to happen organically and the industry needs to be given time as well."
There is a possible political angle to fake news that hits some governments from time to time. False rumours are floated with the aim of creating dissent or create panic among investors.
