The Haryana government has decided to exempt bio-fertiliser from levy of VAT to bring it at par with chemical fertilisers.

At present, the bio-fertilisers are taxable at the rate of 5 per cent whereas chemical fertilisers are tax free in the state.

A decision to this effect was taken in a meeting of State Cabinet held under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar here today.

The government is keen to encourage the use of bio-fertilisers by the farmers in the state to protect the environment and soil health, an official spokesman said here.

The Cabinet has also decided to reduce the VAT rate from 12.5 per cent to 5 per cent on LED lights.

Besides, it has also been decided to reduce the VAT rate of pipe fittings from 12.5 per cent to 5 per cent in the state to bring consistency in the tax rates of pipes and pipe fittings.

All kinds of pipes are taxable at the rate of 5 per cent whereas pipe fittings are taxable at the rate of 12.5 per cent. The Cabinet has decided to reduce the VAT rate from 12.5 per cent to 5 per cent on pre engineered steel building and steel components thereof including puff panels.

"It will promote industrialisation in the State as pre engineered steel buildings are being used these days for setting up of industries and godowns," he said.

The Cabinet also decided to amend the Rule 7 of the Central Sales Tax Haryana Rules, 1957 to enable the online issuance of 'C' forms.

It is mandatory for traders engaged in inter-state transactions to fill form 'C' with their quarterly VAT returns.

Traders used to complain that these forms are out of stock and they had to buy from other states.