Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday firmly denied reports claiming that the Centre was considering imposing a cess or tax on foreign travel, calling the speculation “totally false” and asserting that there was “not an iota of truth” in the claims. The report, published by CNBC-TV18, had stated that a proposal to levy a cess, surcharge or additional tax on overseas travel was under discussion at the “highest levels” of the government. The report claimed that the proposed measure was being explored as a way to cushion the fiscal impact of the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran, while also helping offset rising crude oil and import costs. PM says no restrictions being considered Responding directly to the media outlet on X, the Prime Minister dismissed the report in unequivocal terms. “This is totally false. Not an iota of truth in this. There is no question of putting such restrictions on foreign travel. We remain committed to improving ‘Ease of Doing Business’ and ‘Ease of Living’ for our people,” PM Modi wrote. The report had further claimed that the proposed cess would be collected directly by the Centre and could remain in force for a year. CNBC-TV18 withdraws story, issues apology Minutes after the Prime Minister’s rebuttal, CNBC-TV18 issued a public apology and withdrew the story. “Our story on government considering tax/cess on foreign travel is not accurate. We withdraw the story and regret the error,” the broadcaster said in a post on X. In a graphic circulated on social media before the report was withdrawn, the channel had cited unnamed sources as saying the proposal was being discussed within the highest echelons of government. The graphic also suggested that the measure was intended to mitigate the economic strain caused by higher energy and import bills amid escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia. 2 days-2 places: PM urges people to cut petrol consumption 11 May: Modi urged people in Vadodara to use public transport 10 May: PM urged people in Hyderabad to postpone foreign travel PM Modi’s 5 appeals Avoid buying gold for one year – importing gold consumes a significant amount of foreign currency. In the interest of the nation, people should refrain from buying or donating gold for one year. Save petrol and diesel, carpool – Reduce unnecessary vehicle use and travel by metro and carpool. Carry as many passengers as possible. Emphasis on reducing consumption of edible oil – If every family reduces the use of edible oil a little, it will save foreign exchange, and people’s health will also improve. Adopt natural farming instead of chemical fertilisers – The country should aim to reduce the consumption of chemical fertilisers by half and rapidly move towards natural farming. Postpone foreign travel – Global conditions and high fuel prices are increasing economic pressure on India. Therefore, it would be in the national interest to postpone foreign travel for weddings, holidays, and other reasons for a while.
Emphasize accuracy and depth.