In a significant decision the Uttarakhand Government has reduced tax on the diesel and gas available for the industrial units of the State. The Government would now charge a VAT of only 5 per cent per litre on diesel for industrial usage. The existing rate of VAT on diesel is Rs 17.48 percent per litre or Rs 9.41 whichever is higher. Similarly the tax on industrial gas has been reduced from 20 percent per cubic liter to 5 percent.
Informing about the cabinet decision, the spokesman of State Government and cabinet Minister, Madan Kaushik said that the State would get more revenue from these decisions as industries were getting diesel from neighboring States like UP which levied a tax of 5 %. The reduction in tax on gas is also expected to add Rs 6 Crore to the government kitty as consumption in the state is expected to increase by it.
The State Cabinet gave its consent to incorporate necessary amendments in the Uttar Pradesh Excise Act 1910 (applicable in Uttarakhand) by which the process of opening bars in the hotel, restaurants and clubs has become easier. Similarly the cabinet also increased penalties on illegal possession, mixing and sale of liquor in the State. The offender would now have to shell out Rs 5000 to Rs 20000 in different types of offences. The cabinet also decided to cancel the land allotted for setting up an Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) in Haldwani. Initial work on construction of ISBT had started on which a sum of Rs 1.5 cr was spent. The Min said that construction met local opposition as it was claimed that the place was a burial ground. He said that an alternate place for ISBT would now be earmarked.
The State Cabinet also decided to waive off interest accumulated on water tax and sewer tax in different parts. Kaushik said that the no interest would be charged if the pending bills are paid till January 31. This benefit would be gradually reduced in a period of next 15 days to 75, 60 and 50% respectively. The State owes a sum of Rs 131 Crore to the individuals, firms and industrial units as water tax. The Cabinet also took decision to extend the existing limits of municipalities of Doiwala and Badadat (Uttarkashi), Kashipur, municipal council of Bazpur and Municipal Corporation Kashipur. The cabinet on the day decided to bring an ordinance for Uttarakhand Bhasha Sansthan Bill, 2017. The bill once passed would act as an umbrella act for U’khand Hindi Academy, Uttarakhand Urdu Academy, Uttarakhand Punjabi Academy and lok Bhasha and Boli Academy. Kaushik said that the State Government has decided to constitute a General body and Executive body for these bodies.
The cabinet also extended the benefit of VII pay commission to employees of Uttarakhand Minority Welfare and Waqf Development board. The Min informed that the cabinet decided to prorogate third session of U’khand State Assembly held recently at Gairsain. He said that a total of 13 subjects were brought before the cabinet on the day.