Mumbai, Dec 26: If the Maharashtra finance minister has his way, state consumers will have to pay more for power, water and public transport they use. The state government has signed an MoU with the Centre pledging to implement a medium-term fiscal reforms programme that asks for a cap on capital expenditure and phasing out of subsidies in power, education and transport.
Consumers, as a result, could end up paying more as the government starts lifting subsidies on utility services. The state, under the MoU, has promised to "raise by 10% all fees, service charges and levies. During the fiscal review, these levies would be linked to an inflation index to be finalised by December 31, '02, to ensure that in future the rise is automatic."