The advisory council to the Governor on Friday decided to exempt foodgrains from VAT for a period effective from April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010.

Putting an end to the ongoing protest of traders, the council decided that there would be no tax on potato, onion, wheat, maida, and suji. VAT was imposed on foodstuff in the state for the first time during this financial year. The move had triggered widespread protest among traders.
 
In view of the rising protests by traders, the Governor had assured to reconsider the imposition of VAT on foodgrains. However, the move was delayed as the model code of conduct was in effect during the Lok Sabha elections.

In another decision, the advisory council approved amendments to Sections 267 and 273 of the IPC to facilitate video conferencing in state jails to dispose of complaints. The council also granted nod for preparation of BPL lists in urban localities of the state.

Under a proposal of national health insurance scheme, it also approved free distribution of smart cards for BPL families. The insurance scheme stipulates an insurance policy of Rs 30000 and free medical facilities of an equal amount to the beneficiaries.

The council also agreed to relax the maximum age limit for recruitment of police inspectors in the state by 10 years for a period of one year. With this, the maximum age limit for general candidates would be 35 years and for backward and extremely backward candidates 38 years. The maximum age limit for ST candidates would be 40 years.