VAT on foreign liquor to be reduced in Uttarakhand

DEHRADUN: Foreign liquor is all set to be cheaper in Uttarakhand with the state Cabinet clearing a new excise policy under which VAT on liquor will be reduced from 32.5 per cent to 20 per cent.

The decision was taken by the state Cabinet here, official sources said today, adding it was also decided to increase the excise duty on liquor.

In another major decision, the cabinet gave the go-ahead for the creation of a Water Regulatory and Management Authority. A bill seeking creation of the body will soon be tabled in the state Assembly, the sources said.

"The proposed authority will have entire control over both surface and groundwater resources and a major say on irrigation and drinking water issues," Secretary (Irrigation) Subardhan said.

In a big relief to central government employees working in Uttarakhand, the cabinet entitled them to medical facilities under the Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC).

It also gave its approval to construction of four ESI hospitals in Dehradun, Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar.