Petrol, diesel to become dearer by Rs 1.50/litre

SHILLONG, Aug 24: The state Cabinet has approved a proposal to revise the rates of tax on petrol and diesel by Rs 1.50.
Taxation Minister James PK Sangma told reporters on Wednesday that the decision followed the Assam government’s revision of the fuel prices.
He said as practiced in Meghalaya, whenever the rates in Assam are changed, the state government revises its rates, commensurate to that, to take advantage of the price differential.
Stating that the present rate of tax on petrol is 13.5% or Rs 11 per litre whichever is higher, he said this has been revised to 13.5% or Rs 12.50 whichever is higher.
For diesel, the present rate is 5% or Rs 4 per litre whichever is higher and it has been revised to 5% or Rs 5.50 per litre whichever is higher, he added.
With the new rates of tax applicable from Thursday, the minister said the new retail sale price of petrol in Byrnihat is Rs 95.10. It is Rs 96.83 in Shillong.
On diesel, he said the new retail sale price will be Rs 83.50 in Byrnihat and Rs 84.72 in Shillong.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet also approved the introduction of the National Law University of Meghalaya Bill, 2022. Sangma said the state government had passed the National Law University of Meghalaya Ordinance through an ordinance.
“With the Assembly session coming up, the ordinance will be converted to a Draft Bill to be placed before the Assembly in the upcoming session,” the minister said.
Further, he said the Cabinet has approved the proposal to extend the Second National Judicial Pay Commission as directed by the Supreme Court. Sangma said the Centre had notified the 2nd National Judicial Pay Commission in November, 2017.
Sangma said the terms of reference of the recommendations are to evolve the principles which would govern the structure of pay and other emoluments of judicial officers, examine the existing structure of emoluments and conditions of service, make recommendations including post-retirement benefits and examine work methods, work environment, variety of allowances and benefits and suggest rationalization.
The Cabinet has also approved the amendment to the Meghalaya Education, Research & Training Service Rule, 2012.
Sangma said the services of the officers/lecturers of the Directorate of Educational Research and Training & principals and lecturers of District Institute of Education and Training are combined under Meghalaya Education, Research and Training Service Rules, 2012 for upward movement of service.
The minister said the matter was brought to the Cabinet for re-designation for the posts including lecturer to assistant professor (Grade-II), senior lecturer to assistant professor (Grade-I) and selection grade lecturer to associate professor.