State Govt cuts down duty on electricity
Raipur: In a major decision for people of state the State Government has brought down duty on electricity. Residents of State across Chhattisgarh have appreciated the move. The State Government by passage of a bill in the Chhattisgarh Assembly made the way for a proposal of bringing down electricity duty from the highs of 14, 15 and 23 per cent to a flat 8 per cent for all categories. Notably there are about 2 million domestic power consumers in State.
CAG report released
Raipur: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) presented its report on general, social and economic (Non-PSUs) sectors for the year ended on March 31, 2012 and stated that only 9 per cent of households in Chhattisgarh got 100 days job Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. The report released on July 17, highlighted mismanagement of about 225 crores by various departments of State Government. The report also pointed out that National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) which was allocated 403.82 hectares of land to establish an Iron and Steel plant could establish nothing even after passing of 10 years. Serious irregularities were also noted in Public Health and Engineering Department which alone did unfruitful expenditure of Rs 133.39 crore due to non-completion of various projects. The report also pointed out serious errors in performance of Chhattisgarh Housing Board (CHB). Norms for allotment of land for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) under housing schemes were also not adhered to.
Act on sale of acid in state
Raipur: The Government of Chhattisgarh assembly passed act for regulating, distributing and sale of acid. According to the act those violating the Act first time would be liable for fine of cash Rs 25,000 coupled with imprisonment up to 1 year. The second time violator of the act would have to suffer imprisonment up to 2 years with fine of cash Rs 50,000.
Five Maoists held
Raipur: Five Maoists were arrested from the dense forested terrains of Mujalgondi hills about 25 km from district headquarters. A brief gun battle also occurred between ultras and police party before they were arrested. Maoist also caused two explosions in which a jawna of was injured. Police party would have fired around 125 to 130 rounds of bullet and used 3 HE bombs, SP informed. later during the search operation police found 50 meters wire, empty shells of 12 bore gun, detonator, camera and a motor bike was also seized from the spot.