Mumbai: The Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was sent back to the assembly from the council on Friday with certain recommendations.
Transport minister Pratap Sarnaik tabled the bill in a hurry and was insistent it be passed quickly. He was joined by minister Shambhuraje Desai who said ministers had to be present in the assembly as the budget discussions were to end. Council members, though, insisted they wanted to speak which was finally allowed.
MLC Satyajit Tambe demanded the 6% tax on EVs be scrapped. “At a time when the Centre is promoting EV as a green alternative, it is unfortunate the state is imposing a tax when at present there is no tax on EVs in the state,” he said, adding EVs are already expensive and the tax would unnecessarily burden people. Members also opposed the 1% tax on CNG vehicles omni buses used largely to ferry students as also tax on 2-3 wheelers.
Shiv Sena (MLC) Anil Parab said the policy is to promote EV and the bill was contradictory to the policy. NCP (SP) MLC Shashikant Shinde said there is a huge demand for CNG vehicles and it is more important that the govt plug leakages in the transport dept than increase taxes.
Sarnaik explained the bill bifurcates vehicles that cost less and more than Rs 30 lakh. “Only bikes that cost Rs 50-60 lakh will be taxed, it will help increase revenue by Rs 130-150 crore. There is no tax on 2-3 wheelers,” said Sarnaik.