Chandigarh, Aug 1 (NationPress) The Haryana Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, convened on Friday to sanction modifications to the rules governing the implementation of the inter-state transit pass (ISTP) framework for the transportation of mining minerals. Additionally, a notable decrease in the value-added tax (VAT) on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) has been approved, reducing it to one per cent.

The amendments to sub-rule 14 of Rule 98-A of the Haryana Minor Mineral Concession, Stocking, Transportation of Minerals and Prevention of Illegal Mining Rules of 2012 now impose a fee of Rs 80 per metric tonne on all mineral-laden vehicles, regardless of their destination—this replaces previous charges of Rs 100 for in-state transport and Rs 20 for out-of-state transport.

An official statement also indicated that the royalty rate for stone and boulder gravel will be set at Rs 80 per metric tonne. Furthermore, the Cabinet has approved the removal of Clause 17 in the First Schedule. The royalty for minor minerals will now be 25 per cent above the rates applicable to the mineral. The government emphasizes that its objectives include curbing illegal mining and enhancing the monitoring of mineral transportation.

Considering the state's geographical positioning and the influx of mineral traffic from six neighboring states, the effective implementation of the ISTP is deemed crucial. The Cabinet also sanctioned the Haryana Contractual Employees (Security of Services) Rules of 2025.

Designations for punishing and appellate authorities have been determined. The head of the organization will be the competent authority for imposing penalties on Group B equivalent posts, while the Administrative Secretary will act as the appellate authority.

To promote affordable regional air connectivity under the UDAN initiative, the Cabinet has approved a concessional VAT rate of one per cent on aviation turbine fuel sold at all airports within the state, down from 20 per cent.

This concessional VAT will apply to ATF sold for all passenger flights, including those under the RCS-UDAN scheme, as well as maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activities and air adventure services across all Haryana airports. This rate will be in effect from the date of notification until July 6, 2027.

Moreover, the Cabinet has approved an amendment to the Haryana Legislative Assembly (Medical Facilities to Members) Rules, 1988, aiming to extend medical benefits to each Legislative Assembly member, their families, and family pension recipients. A new provision has also been added to offer a fixed medical allowance of Rs 10,000 per month for members aged over 60 years.