Himachal cuts VAT on petrol, diesel by 1 per cent

The Himachal government today decided to reduce VAT on petrol and diesel by 1 per cent to provide relief to people.
The VAT on petrol and diesel would be cut by 1 per cent to give relief to people, said chief minister Virbhadra Singh who presided over the cabinet meeting today.
The state cabinet also decided to suitably amend the HP ceiling on Land Holding Act to enable such religious institutions as have obtained exemption from the ceiling limit, to dispose of their surplus land by way of sale, gift or any other means, subject to the condition that such transfer would only be in the favour of an agriculturist as defined in the HP Tenancy and Law reforms Act.

In order to provide a range of health care services for the people in remote, un-served and underserved areas of the state, the cabinet decided to operate Mobile Medical Units in 10 non-tribal districts, except Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti, under National Health Mission (NHM).
A decision was also taken to start two Bike Ambulances in Shimla town under National Ambulance Service (108) on trial basis to reduce the response time during emergencies.
The Cabinet decided to make functional the State Human Rights Commission and fill up the post of Chairman and Member of the Commission. Justice (Retd) Jagdish Bhallas name was recommended for Chairperson and K S Tomar, former HP Public Service Commission chairman, as the member.

The consent has been obtained from the Governor in this regard, a release said.