Patiala: The cow protection cess levied by the Punjab State Power Corporation limited (PSPCL) at the rate of 2 paise per unit has triggered a debate. All India Power Engineers Association patron Padamjit Singh alleged that various municipal corporations, committees and councils were being asked to pass resolutions seeking imposition of cow cess on electricity and 10 other items, including liquor.He claimed that the cow cess was ill-planned and aimed to appease people on communal lines. "Its imposition on electricity bills is uncalled for as already the consumers are paying 18% tax in the form of infrastructure cess and electricity duty. Our association demands immediate withdrawal of the cow protection cess."Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president Captain Amarinder Singh too said that power consumers were already overburdened with high cost of electricity and PSPCL, on the direction of SAD-BJP government, was further adding to their misery.He said, "Our party is in favour of protecting cows, but that should not put extra financial burden on the people. The gaushalas (cow shelters) should be looked after by the state government using its own funds."Patiala MP Dr Dharamvira Gandhi said that the state government was working on temporary basis when it was required to protect cows at the panchayat level. He alleged, "The education cess earlier levied on electricity bills had resulted in a collection of Rs 500 crore. That money has not been spent on education but was misutilised. People of the state are already burdened with various taxes. Punjab has the highest rates of taxes."On the other hand, Punjab cabinet minister Surjit Singh Rakhra said the cow protection cess on power bills was not in his knowledge and added that he was not in a position to comment on the matter further.Bharatiya Kisan Union (Dakaunda) general secretary Jagmohan Singh favoured imposition of cow cess on luxury items like liquor, wine and cigarettes, but opposed its imposition on electricity. He said electricity was already costly in Punjab.According to a proposal pending with the state government, cow cess would be imposed on English liquor at Rs 10 per bottle, country made liquor at Rs 5 per bottle, a copy of birth and death certificate at Rs 5, building map at Rs 50, cement at Re 1 per bag, air conditioned marriage palaces at Rs 1,000 per booking, a new four wheeler at Rs 1,000 and a new two wheeler at Rs 200.