MUMBAI: The state government, in a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, decided to impose a 'drought surcharge' on a host of items ranging from fuel and liquor to cigarettes and jewellery to raise Rs 1,600 crore for affected farmers. The new taxes will come into effect from Wednesday midnight. Finance minister Sudhir Mungantiwar said the new tax system will be in place for the next five months till February-end, after which the government will rationalize it. Political experts dub it a new trend set by the BJP-led state government and fear it may continue in future too. READ ALSO: Govt likely to declare drought in 8,000 villages across Maharashtra A surcharge of Rs...
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