Shimla, July 18 (IANS) After Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh also Wednesday announced it would give free net books to 4,000 topper students of Class X passing out from government schools in the state and continuing with their higher studies.

A decision in this regard was taken by the cabinet at its meeting presided over by Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal here.

A government spokesperson told IANS that the decision would cost the government Rs.6.50 crore.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in its election year, also decided to purchase 27 additional ambulances to strengthen the fleet of 108 under the Atal Swasthya Sewa scheme that was launched in the state in December 2010.

The cabinet also decided to grant five percent concession in the power tariff to the industrial units that have come into operation after April 1, 2012.

It has fixed an excise duty on the 'ready-to-drink beverages' having alcoholic strength of eight percent or above.