National

Chhattisgarh Cabinet Endorses Reduced Excise Duty, Emphasizes Good Governance

Published

2 years ago

March 3, 2025

The Chhattisgarh Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, has announced a range of significant initiatives aimed at increasing revenue, improving governance, and fostering industrial growth. A key highlight is a substantial revision of the state’s excise policy, along with important updates to labor laws and new strategic partnerships focused on rural development.

With the introduction of the Excise Policy for FY 2025-26, the Cabinet has decided to maintain much of the existing structure while removing the 9.5% Additional Excise Duty on foreign liquor. This change is expected to reduce retail prices for medium and premium foreign liquors by ₹40 to ₹3,000 per bottle, helping to mitigate issues of interstate smuggling.

The administration has confirmed that 674 liquor outlets, including premium locations, will remain operational, while the wholesale purchase process will continue to be managed by the Chhattisgarh State Beverages Corporation Limited. Additionally, infrastructure development fees will remain unchanged.

In an effort to streamline governance and minimize bureaucratic obstacles, the Cabinet has also reformed several key administrative processes. The Empowered Committee for E-Procurement has been disbanded, allowing projects over ₹100 crore and major IT initiatives to follow existing approval pathways. Moreover, a new position has been established in the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission to accelerate the resolution of pending cases, reinforcing the government’s commitment to enhancing consumer rights.

Legislative actions further emphasize the government’s modernization agenda. The upcoming Chhattisgarh Public Premises (Eviction) Amendment Bill, 2025 aims to simplify the eviction process for unauthorized occupants of government properties. Meanwhile, the Labour Laws Amendment Bill, 2025 seeks to amend the Factories Act (1948), Industrial Disputes Act (1947), and Trade Unions Act (1976) to better align with contemporary industrial realities. Furthermore, the Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2025 will introduce updated property registration protocols to streamline transactions statewide.

The government’s commitment to strengthening agriculture and industry is also apparent. The approval of new transport rates for paddy and rice, connected to the Minimum Support Price for the Kharif marketing years from 2022-23 to 2024-25, aims to ensure smoother procurement processes. Changes to the Store Purchase Rules, 2002, under the Industrial Development Policy 2024-30, will simplify procurement for industries, while a one-time relaxation of service criteria will address nine vacant positions in the Commercial Tax Department.

Additionally, the Cabinet has authorized a memorandum of understanding with Vyakti Vikas Kendra India (The Art of Living) to enhance rural livelihoods through initiatives that focus on skill development, mental health, and community welfare.

Chief Minister Sai emphasized that these decisions reflect the government’s dual commitment to improving both the “ease of living” and the “ease of doing business.” The excise reforms are intended to strike a balance between revenue growth and consumer affordability, while the comprehensive set of legislative and administrative measures aims to modernize governance and encourage industrial expansion. These extensive reforms signal Chhattisgarh’s determination to build a more dynamic and inclusive future for all its residents.

National

Marriage Turns into Alleged Fraud as Woman Flees with Jewellery

Published

1 day ago

October 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

Chandigarh: A woman who allegedly posed as a PCS officer and married an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader in Punjab reportedly fled with gold and silver jewellery and other valuables just a few months after the wedding.

AAP Joint Secretary Amarinder Singh Mandofal has alleged that he was cheated by the woman, identified as Manwinder Kaur. The two got married in February 2026 after Kaur’s family introduced her to Amarinder as a PCS officer.

According to Amarinder’s complaint, the woman was also presented as unmarried. However, he later allegedly discovered that she had been married earlier and had a son aged around 18. He also claimed that she had provided false information about her age.

The woman allegedly left the house with gold and silver jewellery and other valuable items a few months after the marriage. Amarinder said he became suspicious and later gathered information about her past.

Based on his complaint, police have registered a case against six people, including Kaur, on charges of cheating and forgery.

The FIR names her brother Tarlochan Singh, mother Varinderjit Kaur, cousin Narinder Singh Goldy, sister-in-law Rupinder Kaur, and former village sarpanch Surinder Singh Rana as co-accused.

Police said all the accused are residents of Sur Singh village under the Bhikhiwind police station limits in Tarn Taran district.

The wedding had been attended by several prominent AAP leaders and public representatives, including Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh.

Videos and pictures from the wedding celebrations have also gone viral on social media.

Police have begun an investigation into the allegations and the background of the accused.

National

Man Dies by Suicide after Jumping from 43rd Floor

Published

4 days ago

October 4, 2026

Namma Kudla

Noida: A man died by suicide after jumping from the 43rd floor of the Supernova Tower in Noida on Saturday.

The incident took place at the Supernova complex in Sector 94. A video shows the man standing near the railing before jumping. Another person tried to stop him but could not prevent the incident.

Police identified the deceased as Sambhav Jain, a resident of Manesar, Haryana. He had reportedly checked into an Airbnb in the building on Friday and was scheduled to leave on Saturday.

Police said Jain had called his father several times before the incident. His family has been informed.

The police and forensic teams inspected the spot and collected evidence. CCTV footage is also being checked as part of the investigation.

Police said Jain was reportedly under severe financial stress. His body has been sent for a post-mortem examination.

The investigation is underway.

National

Captain Smit Machchhar Shares Ordeal with PM Modi

Published

5 days ago

October 3, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Captain Smit Machchhar over a video call and praised his courage after he helped prevent a major air disaster.

Captain Machchhar was seriously injured after his co-pilot allegedly stabbed him during a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The Boeing 737 MAX reportedly lost nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.

Passengers and crew members entered the cockpit and overpowered the co-pilot. A second pair of pilots then took control and safely landed the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. More than 170 passengers and crew were on board.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Captain Machchhar told PM Modi that he was badly injured and had collapsed in the cockpit. He realised that the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude and that he had to act.

“I could not let all those people die,” he told the Prime Minister.

Captain Machchhar said his 17 years of flying experience helped him understand what was happening to the aircraft. He managed to open the cockpit door, after which passengers and crew came to his help.

He also said he was chanting the Hanuman Chalisa while fighting the pain and fear.

PM Modi praised the captain’s courage, patience and presence of mind. He said Captain Machchhar’s actions helped save many lives and called his effort a “monumental task.”

Captain Machchhar, who is from Gujarat, has more than 9,750 flying hours and has served as a captain for 11 years.