Amending the VAT rules, a cabinet meeting on Monday decided to make e-declaration compulsory even as it amended goods entry terms so as to restrict its misuse and approved handing out two parking-cum-commercial complexes on public private partnership (PPP).

Presided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, the cabinet gave its nod to amend HP VAT Rules, 2005 and make e-declaration for certain class of dealers compulsory before dispatch of taxable goods in intra-state transactions.

The cabinet also amended Schedule-II of HP Tax on Entry of Goods Into Local Area Act, 2010 for a clearer demarcation and to avoid its misuse by industry.

The cabinet approved two built-up parking spaces with a commercial complex at Vikasnagar in Shimla and Mandi town to be let out on PPP mode. To create parking spaces in the capital, three such parking-cum-commercial complexes are already under construction under the PPP model.

Other cabinet decisions included relaxing of the construction period of small hydro-electric projects, providing land on lease to HPMC, a state owned company, at Nadaun for setting up a vegetable packing house. It also approved shifting of an IPH sub-division with posts from Una to Jhalera.

The cabinet gave its nod for issuing essentiality certificate to Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib, Rajgarh in Sirmour district for opening Akal Institute of Medical Education and Research in which 50% seats would be availed by those who qualify under HP PMT merit examination.

The cabinet also approved launch of Atal Adarsh Gram Puruskar Yojna, wherein panchayats to be given cash awards from Rs 5 lakh to 20 lakh for implementation of developmental schemes from sub-division to district level.

Medical allowances for employees and pensioners, travelling allowances for health supervisors and salaries of computer operators with MNREGA were also raised by the cabinet.