Those with a bit of cash to splash will have to shell out quite a bit more if they want personalized number plates, after the Meghalaya cabinet decided today to up the rates it charges for these in order to generate additional revenue for the state.
“The increase in revenue after the revision of the rates will not be less than Rs 7 crore annually,” Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said.
Individuals who want to book the number 0001 will have to pay Rs 1 lakh, more than three times the existing cost of Rs 30,000. The rate for 0786 has been increased to Rs 70,000 from Rs 20,000; while 1111 will now set you back Rs 50,000, up from Rs 15,000.
Meanwhile, the cabinet also approved an amendment to the Meghalaya Excise Rules for the introduction of airport retail on and off licences. This will open up the possibility of opening a bar and/or wine shop in Umroi Airport.
Other decisions taken at the cabinet meeting included the procurement of galvanised iron pipes from other manufacturing units, in addition to the earlier notified supplier, in order to overcome the shortage in supply of pipes for the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide safe piped water to all homes in the country. Earlier, the pipes were procured only from a supplier in Byrnihat.
The Deputy CM also informed that the cabinet approved the draft Meghalaya Electric Vehicle Policy 2020.
