The state cabinet today has approved changes to the categorisation of IMFL brands that should net the exchequer Rs 25 crore per year more, as well as cost more to consumers.
Speaking to reporters, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said that this decision was made after changes were made in neighbouring states. He explained that amendments to ad valorem taxes, amendment to the VAT on liquor and amendment to Rules 44 (10) of the Meghalaya Bonded Warehouse Rules were made.
“Alcohol will get slightly more expensive but, at the end of the day, because there has been an increase in the rates in the neighbouring states as well, we will also end up earning approximately Rs 25-plus crore in additional revenue through this decision,” the CM said.
Other decisions saw the cabinet approve the revised All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) scale for 32 faculty of Shillong Polytechnic and others transferred to the Directorate of Higher and Technical Education.
The AICTE pay scale is “slightly higher” than that of the state government. It is applicable to those who meet certain qualifications.
The cabinet also decided to approve the request by NEEPCO to waive upfront fees amounting to Rs 1 lakh per megawatt against the allotment of the 50MW Wah Umiam Stage 1 and 100MW Wah Umiam Stage 2 hydroelectric projects.
“We have agreed that the upfront payment will be waived, which amounts to approximately Rs 1 lakh per megawatt but we will not be able to waive the 12 percent of the free power that they are obligated to give to the state,” Sangma said.
Finally, the cabinet also decided to amend the Meghalaya Secretariat Service Rules 1992 to speed up the appointment of Under Secretaries, Deputy Secretaries and Joint Secretaries.
The Governor was the appointing authority but the amendment will now place it under the Chief Secretary. This is being done to make things “move faster” and is justifiable as they are “not senior posts”.
