The state government on Wednesday gave tax relief to the tourism industry and offered loans with 9% interest subsidy.

According to a finance department order, hotels and tour operators will get refunds for state GST (SGST) paid by them from October 2020 to June 2021.

The beneficiaries will be entitled to reimbursement of 50% of SGST during the October 2020-March 2021 and 75% during April-June 2021.

Under the Mukhyamantri Paryatan Udyog Sambal Yojana, tourism units will get 9% interest subsidy on loans up to Rs 25 lakh. These loans will be for three years and applications will be allowed up to March 2022.

The scheme will be part of the existing Mukhyamantri Laghu Udhyog Protsahan Yojana (MLUPY) and will be governed by the norms of MLUPY.

Bars in hotels and clubs have also been exempted from licence fees on extra counters, which will be entitled to 10% exemption of fees.

Last year, the had offeredSGST relieffor the April-September period. But the Industry did not benefit because there was almost no business and the tax obligations were miniscule.

Vayo Naman Programme Organised By Govt. In Honour Of Senior Citizens

Ministry of Social and Empowerment organises Vayo Naman Programme on the International Day of Older Persons, in honour of senior citizens, in New Delhi on 1 October.

Highlights:

Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu is the chief guest of the programme and will present the Vayosheshtra Samman Awards.

The vice-chairman will dedicate the Elderly Help Line 14567 to the state and launch the Senior Able Citizens Reemployment in Dignity (SACRED) and Senior Care Ageing Growth Engine (SAGE) Portals on this occasion.