Rajasthan plans cow cess hike, booze to cost more

The Rajasthan government considered raising the cow protection cess on alcohol from 20% to 25%. This would increase liquor prices and help fund subsidies for cattle feed in cow shelters from nine months to a full year. The government needs an additional Rs 225 crore annually for this extension, currently providing Rs 1,225 crore for fodder subsidies through existing taxes.