New Delhi: The levy of 1 per cent excise duty on non-silver jewellery will lead to "inspector raj and corruption", Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said today and hit out at the Centre for its decision despite widespread opposition.
His comments came hours after a section of jewellers today met him at his residence urging him to lead a rally at Ramlila Maidan against the budgetary proposal to impose the excise duty."
Jewellers associations met me today. New excise duty will mean inspector raj n corruption. Stiff opposition across India, yet centre adamant(sic)," Kejriwal tweeted. About 30 representatives of various jewellers' association met him.
Sources said he has agreed to the jewellers' suggestion to lead the rally and lend his weight to their demand.
Kejriwal told the representatives that he would also galvanise support for their cause from other chief ministers,by writing to them including those of BJP-ruled states to back the jewellers' demand., they said.They further said the date and time of the rally is yet to be decided.Last week, a section of jewellers had met Kejriwal with the same demanded of a roll back.
The Delhi CM had also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding the same."I strongly object to the excise duty levied on the Jewellery sector by the central government and demand its roll back," Kejriwal had said.
