Shimla: To tap natural water resources and invite the investors to explore bottled water industry, the state government mulling to reduce Certain Goods Carried on Road (CGCR) tax.
Industry Minister Mukesh Agnihotri revealed that many industrialists were eager to invest in bottled water industry, but high rate of CGCR tax was discouraging them to invest in the state.
Currently the CGCR on bottled mineral water is charged at the rate of Rs. 0.75 per bottle, and it was yet to decide that how much the tax would be slashed. Minister said that a proposal will be taken to the cabinet and then rate will be decided.
The state has vast resources of fresh drinking water and bottled water industry could be easily established in the state and government move to slash the CGCR could be seen as an incentive to those interested.
There are many bottled drinking water plants in Himachal, but high CGCR tax rate have put them into the brink of closer. Govt decision of reducing CGCR tax will definitely help to give much needed respite to them and attract more investors in this field, which will eventually help to create more employment in the state.
Industry Minister, commenting on the fake Kinnauri and Kullu shawls, which were flooding the various markets in the state, and fleecing tourists on the name original products, said the government has decided to take action against those selling Ludhiana-made products as genuine handloom shawls of Himachal.
Kullu and Kinnauri shawls have geographical indication (GI) registration that ensures none other than those registered as authorised users (or at least those residing inside the geographic territory) are allowed to use the popular product name. And thus any unauthorized use of the name for selling fake ones can invite strict legal action, including imprisonment.
