Assam Cabinet Approves Reduction Of VAT On CNG To 5% From Present 14.5% Till March 2027: CM Himanta

Guwahati: The Assam government, on Thursday, approved a reduction in Value Added Tax (VAT) on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to 5 per cent from the present 14.5 per cent. The decision to slash the VAT on CNG till March 31st, 2027. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the decision on a post on his X handle, stating that during the State Cabinet meeting on Thursday, the decision to reduce the VAT on CNG was approved. 

The decision was taken in a bid to mitigate air pollution through the use of clean fuel. "This will rationalize prices for consumers and augment its wider adoption," the state government said.

Assam Cabinet Ministers To Visit Barak Valley Every Month

During the Cabinet meeting, it was mandated that the Cabinet Ministers of Assam will visit the Barak Valley every month. 

The Barak Valley is the southernmost region and administrative division of the Indian state of Assam. It is named after the Barak River. The Barak valley consists of three administrative districts of Assam namely - Cachar, Karimganj, and Hailakandi. The main and largest city is Silchar, which seats the headquarter of Cachar district and also serves as an administrative divisional office of Barak Valley division.

The valley is significant for the state of Assam as it is bordered by Mizoram and Tripura to the south, Bangladesh and Meghalaya to the west and Manipur to the east respectively. Once North Cachar Hills was a part of Cachar district which became a subdivision in 1951 and eventually a separate district.