Shillong: In a significant move aimed at simplifying business regulations and boosting local industries, the Meghalaya cabinet has approved a major overhaul of its bonded warehouse regulations and updated the state’s Homemade Wine Policy. The changes, announced by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, are expected to streamline compliance for businesses and diversify the raw materials available for local winemakers.
The cabinet’s decision has simplified the bonded warehouse licensing structure by reducing the number of turnover-based categories from three to two. Under the new system, warehouses with an annual turnover exceeding Rs 20 crore will be categorised as Category A, while those with a turnover below this threshold will fall under Category B. This replaces the previous, more complex system that had three slabs: over Rs 20 crore, Rs 10-20 crore, and up to Rs 10 crore. The government believes this simplification will make it easier for businesses to comply with regulations.
In a boost to local artisanal producers, the Homemade Wine Policy has also been updated to allow for a greater variety of ingredients. Previously restricted to fruit-based wines, the policy now permits the use of rhizomes such as ginger and bulb rootstock, as well as floral sources and honey. This expansion of permissible raw materials is expected to encourage innovation and increase the variety of homemade wines produced in the state, potentially creating new economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs. The Chief Minister shared the news on social media, highlighting the introduction of these new ingredients as a key feature of the updated policy. The government hopes these combined measures will foster a more conducive environment for both established businesses and budding local producers.
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