To take up hike in levy on diesel cars with Delhi govt: Patel

"I will have to talk to them (Delhi Government) and ask them what is the motive (behind it)," Patel said.

Heavy Industry Minister Praful Patel said he would take up with the Delhi government hike in registration levy on diesel vehicles,arguing that they are not as polluting as made out to be.

“I will have to talk to them (Delhi Government) and ask them what is the motive (behind it),” he said.

The Delhi Government,in its Budget for 2011-12,had hiked the registration levy on diesel vehicles by 25 per cent.

Story continues below this ad

There should not be any discrimination against the diesel-driven cars,Patel said.

“…just because there are diesel vehicles and therefore they should be taxed more is not a fair idea,” Patel said.

The diesel run vehicles have also been the target of Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh who recently described them as diesel guzzlers.

On concerns that the proposed free trade agreement with the European Union may result in drastic reduction in import duties on automobiles,he said,”We support the auto industry in that (not to lower import duties on automobiles).”

Story continues below this ad

The industry has been demanding not to bring down import

duties in the India-EU Free Trade Agreement as it would affect the interest of the domestic manufacturers.

Charlie Kirk fatally shot at Utah Valley University

‘Blood was pouring from his neck’: Eyewitnesses recall Kirk shooting at Utah University

World5 hr ago

Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed during a routine campus appearance at Utah Valley University. The shooter is still at large, and two individuals were briefly detained. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as the crowd panicked. The attack has drawn comparisons to past political shootings, and authorities are investigating.

View all shorts

Live Blog