Assam hikes liquor prices by 25 per cent

GUWAHATI: Assam increase excise duty on Indian Made foreign Liquor (IMFL) by 25 percent. The state government affected changes in labours laws allowing working shift to be increased from eight hours to 12 hours and allowing teas estates and manufacturing units to operate with full workers strength.

Assam cabinet held its meeting on Friday through video conferencing. Assam Industries and Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary said, Increase in MRP by 25 percent will give government Rs 1000 Crore.”

Tea industries and manufacturing industries which operating with 50 percent workers is allowed to operate with full capacity including personnel.

The cabinet has initiated labour reforms which included fixed term employment besides increase of minimum numbers of workers for implementation of Factories act from 10 to 20 (with power) and 20 to 40 (without power).

Cabinet has allowed increase in minimum number of workers for implementation of contract Labour Act from 20 to 50. The cabinet has passed Assam Agricultural produce and livestock marketing (promotion and facilitation) ordinance 2020 and repealed Assam Agricultural produce marketing Act 1972.

North eastern states Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh were planning to increase tax on liquor.

Assam finance minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said, “We had informal discussion with these states and we may increase the tax on the liquor.

Wine shops in Assam started operation on Saturday last.These shops were closed since March 24 due to 21 day nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic. Last month after three days of operation wine shops were closed down following fresh notification from the Centre regarding second phase of the lockdown.

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