GUWAHATI: Assam Cabinet on Friday decided to increase the Excise Duty on IMFL liquor to generate additional revenue of Rs 1000 crore besides allowing the tea industry in the state to operate in full strength maintaining social distance in view of the COVID-19 pandemic
The meeting of the Council of ministers chaired through video conferencing by the Chief Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, passed Assam Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing (Promotion and Facilitation) Ordinance 2020, repealed Assam Agricultural Produce Marketing Act 1972.
The Cabinet meeting decided that the state government would release fund for salary of Assam Agricultural Marketing Board in case the need arises.
The Cabinet further decided on following reforms to the Labour rules:
-Introduction of fixed term employment
-Increase in minimum number of workers for implementation of Factories Act from 10 to 20 (with power) and 20 to 40 (without power)
-Increase in minimum of workers for implementation of Contract Labour Act from 20 to 50.
– Increase in shift hours from 8 to 12 hours during COVID-19 pandemic.