COVID-19 curfew in Himachal Pradesh extended till 6 am on May 31

Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, which met on Monday, decided to extend the corona curfew in the state for another week till May 31.

In the meeting, which was presided over by chief minister Jai Ram Thakur, it was decided that private hospitals in the state will be encouraged to conduct vaccinations. It was suggested that members of legislative assembly (MLAs) along with sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs) review the treatment being provided to Covid patients in home isolation in their respective areas.

The Cabinet also approved the excise policy for the financial year 2021-22, which envisages a collection of ₹1,829 crore – ₹228 crore higher than the financial year 2020-21, thereby registering an increase of 14%.

Considering the present situation, the excise year 2020-21 has been extended by one month up to June 30. The new excise policy will be operational for nine months from July 1 to March 31, 2022. Approval was also given for renewal of retail excise vends in the state for the year 2021-22 for a renewal fees of 3% of the value of unit or vend. This has been done to augment the government’s revenue, reduce the price of liquor and curb its smuggling from neighbouring states.