The new excise policy was approved in the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The policy has proposed an increase of five to 10 percent in liquor prices this year. Besides, participation of local residents in wholesale supply of foreign liquor has also been ensured in the policy. The policy has approved the use of local fruits like tangerine, malta, kaphal, apple, pear, tipur, peach etc. in country liquor. The Cabinet has also approved holding the budget session in Dehradun. The Chief Minister has been authorized to decide its date.
Consent to implement Uttarakhand air connectivity scheme
The Cabinet has also agreed to implement the Uttarakhand Air Connectivity Scheme to connect Uttarakhand with various cities in the country and abroad on the lines of the UDAN scheme run by the Central Government. Under this scheme, both airplane and helicopter services will be operated.
New excise policy approved
The much awaited excise policy was approved in the cabinet meeting on Wednesday. In the policy, the revenue target of the Excise Department this year has been increased by 11 percent from Rs 4000 crore to Rs 4440 crore. For the first time in the policy, a provision has been made to open bottling plants of foreign liquor in the state. This will not only increase revenue in the state but will also bring investment. This will also enable the state to be established as a producer and exporter state.
Allotment on first come, first served basis
The policy provides for renewal of old liquor shops to the same licensee with a 10 percent increase. The shops which will not be renovated will be allotted through lottery or auction as well as on first come, first served basis.
Another important decision of the cabinet
Uttarakhand air connectivity scheme has to be approved. This scheme will remain in force till the year 2029. For this, the state government will take the cooperation of heli and air companies. This is likely to boost tourism activities in the state. Under this scheme, the fare for heli and air services will be decided by a high level committee constituted by the state government.
Other major decisions of the cabinet
State government will start air and heli service at local level on the lines of UDAN scheme
Budget session of Assembly will be held in Dehradun, Chief Minister authorized to decide the date
Incentive amount of Rs 50 thousand to 100 students who get admission in top NIRF universities of the country.
Medical reimbursement facility to pensioners and their dependents who do not avail the Golden Card Scheme.
Agreement to give Rs 188.5 crore to the National Highway Authority for land acquisition for the expansion of Pantnagar airstrip.
The structure of X-ray technician cadre has been reorganized, there will be opportunities for promotion.
