A press note issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said the Central Government has brought amendments to the Central GST Act 2017 and in view of this, amendments to the State Act was necessitated in order to effect the corresponding changes made by the Central Act.

It said amendment of Section 7, 16, 35, 44, 50, 74, 75, 83, 107, 129, 130, 151, 152, 168 of the Meghalaya Good and Service Tax Act, 2017.

The note informed that the cabinet also approved the proposal to frame The Meghalaya Forensic Science Laboratory Service Rules 2021, to govern the conditions of services of its officers.

It said the cabinet approved the retention of registration marks of old motor vehicles on a new vehicle after the sale or scrapping of the old vehicle.

Since a fee is paid by few members of the public for their choice numbers, therefore they should be given the opportunity to retain the same registration number even on purchase of a new vehicle later.

If the retained registration is affixed in the new vehicle within 12 months/1 year then a fee of Rs. 10,000/- or Rs. 15,000 may be levied, the note said.

If the retained registration is not fixed in the new vehicle within 12 months/ 1 year then a fee of Rs. 10,000/- or Rs. 15,000/- per annum may be levied. If the owners fail to pay the retention fee annually then the registration number will automatically be property of the Government, it added.

Further, the cabinet also approved the appointment of U N Madan Retd. Chief Engineer (Projects), MePDCL as the next Officer on Special Duty (Technical) Power Department on contractual basis for a period of 3 years.

It said he is entitled to receive remuneration at the rate of the last pay drawn minus pension, plus allowances as may be admissible from time to time.

The cabinet also approved the amendment of the Meghalaya Civil Service Rules 1975 to incorporate the sub-rule for addition of marks obtained by MCS Officers during the induction training at MATI to marks secured in the competitive exam by MPSC to determine Officers ranking & seniority.

Meanwhile, the cabinet has also given its approval for re-development of Government Land at Police Bazar, Shillong and for availing of loan from Housing and Urban Development Corporation Bank (HUDCO) for this purpose.

By Our Reporter