Ques: As per the Sugar Cess (Amendment) Act, 2015 the ceiling on the cess increased from Rs 25 per quintal of sugar to:
(a) Rs. 250 / quintal
(b) Rs. 200 / quintal
(c) Rs. 150 / quintal
(d) Rs .125 / quintal
Ans (b)
Related facts
- On January 8, 2016 the President Pranab Mukherjee approved the Sugar Cess (Amendment) Act, 2015.
- The principal Act specifies the ceiling on the cess at Rs 25 per quintal under the Act. The Bill proposes to increase this ceiling to Rs 200 per quintal of sugar.
- The Sugar Cess (Amendment) Bill, 2015 had passed in Lok Sabha on December 11, 2015.
- President gave his assent as per provisions of Article 111 of Constitution after the bill was not returned by the Rajya Sabha to the Lok Sabha within 14 days of its consideration as per constitutional provisions.
- The amendment Bill seeks to amend the The Sugar Cess Act, 1982.
- The Bill proposes to increase this ceiling of sugar to Rs 200 per quintal from existing Rs 25 per quintal specified in the principal Act.
- t would lead to increase in the accruals to the Sugar Development Fund (SDF) which in turn would facilitate rehabilitation and modernisation of sugar mills and thereby helping cane growers.
- In present scenario, it will help in revival of stagnant sugar economy by helping cash-starved mills and sugarcane growers.
Reference
http://bombayhighcourt.nic.in/libweb/actc/yearwise/2016/2016.09.pdf
http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/Sugar%20Cess/Sugar%20Cess%20Amendment%20Bill%202015.pdf
http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/sugar-cess-ceiling-hiked-to-rs-200-qtl-after-president-nod-to-bill-116011201011_1.html