An Abhijeet Group office at Kadru in Ranchi

Ranchi, June 14: The cabinet today decided to exempt farmers taking agricultural loans up to Rs 5 lakh from paying registration fees and stamp duty. The previous limit was Rs 3 lakh.

An official said because of the increase in prices of agricultural equipment, it had become imperative to increase the exemption limit.

Cabinet secretary N.N. Pandey said earlier, farmers had to pay a registration fee of Rs 100 while mortgaging their land with the banks and another five per cent of the total amount towards stamp duty.

In another decision, the cabinet approved transfer of land for two important industrial houses. Abhijeet Group-run Corporate Ispat Limited would be given 44 acres in Seraikela-Kharsawan. Usha Martin Limited too would be allowed to acquire land in Patan block of Palamau.

Meanwhile, Jharkhand Beverage Corporation has been given working capital to the tune of Rs 20 crore. Decks have also been cleared for appointment of eight professors at medical colleges in Dhanbad and Jamshedpur.

Pay and perks of officials of different boards and corporations enjoying the status of cabinet minister, minister of state or deputy minister have been revised. So long they were getting Rs 3,000 as monthly pay and another Rs 2,000 each towards regional and reception allowances. Now their fixed monthly pay will be Rs 8,000.

Other decisions

Upper age limit for anganwadi workers fixed at 60 years

Rules framed for removing members of panchayati raj bodies

Amended electricity duty regulations approved