Meghalaya raises alcohol import fee to boost revenue

Shillong: The Meghalaya cabinet approved an amendment to Rule 375 of the Assam Excise Rule, 1945 as adapted and amended by Meghalaya, to levy special duty on Bottle in Origin (BIO) in a bid to raise revenue.

“This pertains to the revision of the import pass fee on Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA) brought in from outside the state. The fee, which was previously Rs 25 per bulk litre, has now been increased to Rs 30 per bulk litre,” CM Conrad K Sangma said after presiding over the cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

The cabinet also cleared an amendment to the Meghalaya Building Bye Laws, 2021 under the Special Projects category, lowering eligibility thresholds to widen participation and encourage planned large-scale urban development.

Earlier, projects such as hotels, public institutions, healthcare facilities, shopping malls, multiplexes, ICT/BPO centres, and educational institutions required a minimum plot size of 50,000 sq. ft. and a built-up area of 20,000 sq. ft. The amendment reduces the minimum plot size to 37,500 sq. ft. and the built-up area to 15,000 sq. ft.

“This will enable more landowners to qualify under the Special Projects category, encourage multi-storey developments, boost investment, generate employment, and support more efficient use of urban land,” the CM said.

The cabinet further approved two proposals to purchase land for land banks at Rongalgre in East Garo Hills District and in North Garo Hills District.

“These land banks are being developed to support future infrastructure projects of the government and to facilitate planned development initiatives in the respective districts,” the CM said.

The cabinet also cleared an amendment to the Meghalaya Building Bye Laws, 2021 under the Special Projects category, lowering eligibility thresholds
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