Arunachal govt hikes royalty on timber

ITANAGAR, March 2: The ruling Congress Government led by Mukut Mithi in this Himalayan State has hiked the royalty on all categories of timber and other forest products by 15 per cent with immediate effect. "This decision was taken as per the country's apex court ruling at the Cabinet meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mukut Mithi here yesterday," Takam Sanjoy told the newsmen here today. He said that the Cabinet has also approved the enhancement of stipend of all categories of tribal students by Rupees 100 from the existing one. "This will cost the State exchequer by another Rs 4.07 crore," he said, adding "that the total money involvement to pay the stipends to the local students per annum would be around Rs 11.34 crore." Instead of summer the State-run schools will enjoy the winter vacation with effect from December 17 to January 31, Sanjoy, who is also the Government spokesman disclosed.