In a boon to petrol pump owners, those who are behind on VAT and Sales Tax will be able to take advantage of a one time settlement proffered by the state government.
The cabinet today gave its nod to the proposal that will benefit the petrol pump owners who owe the state some Rs 38 crore in unpaid taxes.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma told reporters after the cabinet meeting that some petrol pump owners have not paid their dues and interest is continuing to accrue on the outstanding amounts. The interest has now amounted to Rs 3 crore.
The petrol pumps will be given the option to clear their arrears in a number of installments based on their pending amounts.
Other decisions taken in cabinet today included:
- Approval was given for revised rates for land in New Shillong Township and Mawkhanu. Different rates were approved for central government, state government and private sector players. The government expects to earn a large premium from the decision.
- Approval was granted for the dissolution of the Meghalaya State Housing Board (MSHB). The CM said that employees have been pushing for this and a voluntary retirement scheme will be offered to the 18 staff of the independent body. Sangma said that the MSHB had been created in the 1980s to help avail housing loans from various companies but in the 21st century this process has been improved and a housing board is no longer necessary.
- Standard operating procedures have been strategised for exams for recruitment, declaration of results and advertisement of vacancies in the state government. The cabinet also resolved that all promotions will be done within specific timelines and not have to wait until an incumbent official retires before a promotion is processed.
- The cash component of Meghalaya Day awards will be doubled to Rs 2 lakh from the existing Rs 1 lakh, which has been the rate since 2013. The application process will also move online.
- A scheme initiated by the central government was approved to provide financial support for poor people in jail/prison so that they could adequately fight their legal case, apply for bail, etc. Although it is a central scheme, state governments have to implement it.
- Approval was granted for the Meghalaya Public Communication Policy. Sangma said that the Department of Information and Public Relations was unable to perform in an optimal manner, though he did not provide details on where it was failing. The policy will streamline the government’s strategy to connect with the public.
