Odisha opposes use of clean cess funds for GST compensation

Wants 60% of cess for coal-bearing states which bear pollution load, environment impact, rehab cost

The Odisha government has opposed the decision of the GST Council to use proceeds of the clean environment cess for GST Compensation Fund meant for all states.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said this decision is disadvantageous to coal bearing states which have to bear pollution load and environment degradation and also the cost of rehabilitation. He has suggested that 60 per cent of the clean environment cess be earmarked for coal bearing states.

Earlier Patnaik had demanded that renewable energy projects in projects need to be funded from National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) and hydro electric projects having