HP govt decides to withdraw toll on fruits, vegetables

The Himachal Pradesh government today decided to withdraw the toll collected from vehicles carrying fruits and vegetables in a bid to provide relief to farmers and horticulturists ahead of apple season.

The state cabinet in its meeting held today decided to withdraw tax on all fruits and all vegetables under the H.P. Taxation (on Certain Goods Carried by Road) Act, 1999 to provide great relief to the farmers and horticulturists of the state, an official release said.

Besides, transporters would also be relieved from inconvenience for paying the CGCR tax at Parwanoo/ Chakki Mour barrier for carrying fruits and vegetables.

The cabinet also gave nod to reduce the existing rates of Additional Goods Tax (AGT) under Himachal Pradesh Passengers and Goods Taxation Act, 1955 on iron and steel, yarn and plastic goods to benefit the general public.

It decided to reduce electricity duty on existing small industries from 4 per cent to 2 per cent and in case of medium industrial units from 10 per cent to 7 per cent in accordance with the budget announcement.

It was also decided to reduce per unit rate from Rs. 1 to 35 paise to agriculture consumers as per budget assurance.

The cabinet approved to fill up 1,036 posts of Trained Graduate Teachers and 844 posts of JBTs in Education Department on contract basis to cope with the shortage of teachers in the schools, especially in remote areas.

The cabinet approved the transportation guidelines for safe plying of the school vehicles.

According to guidelines, all school vehicles would have first aid box, emergency number displayed, no curtains or music system and inflammatory items in vehicles and the school vehicles should not be more than 15 years old. It should have speed governor and special provision for specially abled students etc.