April Shock: Pricey Property, Power Booze Ban In Religious Cities | Representative Image
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Several key changes are set to take effect from April 1, impacting property buyers, electricity consumers and liquor sales in religious towns. Property registration rates will rise by 11% in Bhopal and 20% across the state, making homeownership even more challenging.
Moreover, electricity bills will increase by 3.46%, adding to the financial burden of common people. The government has also ordered the closure of liquor shops in 19 religious cities and several gram panchayats as part of its new policy.
The Bhopal district administration has approved an 11% increase in property registration rates, which will come into effect from April 1. This rise will directly impact middle-class and lower-income families, making home purchases even more difficult. On a state level, registration rates will see an average hike of 20%, further pushing up property costs.
Power costly
The Madhya Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission has proposed a 3.46% increase in electricity tariff, effective from April 1. This will add to the woes of consumers already struggling with inflation, as higher power bills will stretch household budgets further.
Liquor ban
The state government has ordered a complete shutdown of liquor shops and bars in 19 religious towns and several gram panchayats from April 1. The decision, taken during a cabinet meeting in Maheshwar, will impact cities like Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Mandleshwar, Orchha, Maihar, Chitrakoot and Amarkantak. Moreover, liquor sale will be banned in Salkanpur, Kundalpur, Bandakpur, Barmankalan, Barmankhurd and Linga gram panchayats.
Water tax hike likely
Apart from these changes, Bhopal Municipal Corporation is considering a water tax and property tax hike, which may add further financial pressure on residents. An official decision on this is expected soon.
Medicines price to see 1.7% rise
Prices of many essential drugs are set to rise from today, with the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), the country’s regulatory agency, announcing a hike of up to 1.7% on medications. Prices of these controlled-category medicines, including those of cancer, malaria, Tuberculosis, diabetes, heart-related concerns, antibiotics, stents(for heart patients), and pain-killers will rise.
