Imphal: Manipur state cabinet has approved the formation of Manipur State Beverages Corporation Limited to facilitate the recently approved ‘Liquor Legalization’ in the state. The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by chief minister Nongthombam Biren at the CM’s Secretariat on Friday afternoon. State finance minister will be the chairman of the proposed ‘Manipur State Beverages Corporation Limited’ and its board of directors will comprise chief secretary, secretary finance, secretary home, secretary sealth, secretary RD & PR, secretary MAHUD and secretary education.
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The state cabinet also gave approval to amendment of the Manipur Excise Rules 2023 and hiking of value added tax, VAT rate for sale and purchase of alcohol. It also decided to push the legal age for drinking, buying and selling alcohol from 18 years to 25 years of age. Liquor sale is permitted only beyond 100 metres of educational institutions’ premises and places of worship.
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According to an official source, the cabinet meeting deliberated on various matters tabled by various departments including the ongoing measures to protect and rejuvenate the Loktak Lake and its associated wetlands. It is also learned that the cabinet nodded to direct recruitment of 53 teaching staffs and 28 non-teaching staffs of Manipur University of Culture.
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