Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Nov 22: The state Cabinet has approved 11 proposals including for the implementation of a new scheme for revival of old irrigation projects, enhancement of compensation for the families of those killed in wild animal attacks and reduction of VAT on natural gas for domestic and industrial purposes. The decisions were taken at a Cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
The Cabinet approved a proposal of the water resources department to launch a new irrigation scheme in the name of former Chief Minister Nabakrushna Choudhury to provide irrigation to around 55,000 hectares.
The scheme named ‘Nabakrushna Choudhury Secha Unnayan Yojana’ will be implemented over three years at an investment of Rs 635 crore. It will be funded from state’s own resources,” said Health and Law minister Pratap Jena after the meeting at the Secretariat.
He said that under this scheme, 46,296 hectares command area of 14 Major and Medium Irrigation Projects and 284 Minor Irrigation Projects will be revived, while 8,719 hectares of new ayacut area will be created through the extension of canals of six major and medium irrigation projects.
A proposal of the Water Resources Department for the early completion of the tender process for works worth Rs 6,000 crore to be taken up in 2018-19 fiscal was also approved.
“The tender process normally takes six months from invitation of tender to awarding works for which the money spent in the first half of the financial year is not fully utilized. The new move will help the department to prepare a better work plan and manage proper expenditure of the budget,” said Water Resources Department Secretary PK Jena.
The Cabinet also gave its nod to a proposal of the forest and environment department to enhance the existing rate of compassionate aid given to families of the deceased in wild animal attacks from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 4 lakh.
In the backdrop of reports of attack on sheep and goats by Jackal and Hyena, the government has also included them in the wild animal list and families of persons who is killed by these animals will also get the same revised compassionate grant.
Besides, in the case of death of sheep and goat due to wild attack the concerned person will get a compensation of Rs 2000, while for the death of a lamb the aid will be Rs 750.
For this amendments will be made to the Wildlife (Protection) Orissa rules 1974, the minister said.
Meanwhile, among the 11 proposals there were also two proposals of the finance department on exemption of VAT on Natural Gas for domestic and industrial use and levy of 5 per cent VAT on raw materials – rectified spirit (RS) or Extra Neutral Alchol (ENA) – required for the production of alcohol for human consumption.
Finance Minister Shashibhusan Behera said the VAT on the use of Natural Gas for domestic use, including on its piped supply to households, will be brought down to 5 per cent from the existing 15 per cent.
Besides, VAT has also been reduced from 15 per cent to 5 per cent on the use of Natural Gas for industrial purpose. However, for vehicular use the VAT rate will remain at the existing 15 per cent.
On the other hand, government will levy additional five per cent VAT on RS and ENA. However, this will not affect the rates of foreign or country liquor, excise department officials said. Both the move will help government get additional revenue of Rs 9 crore per annum.
