Srinagar Nov 06 (KNS): Expressing serious concern over the rise in freight charges on apple boxes from Kashmir to outside state markets, State Secretary CPI (M) Ghulam Nabi Malik today urged the government to take immediate and concrete measures to regulate the transportation rates.
In a statement issued to KNS, Malik said that apple being the prime cash crop of the state fetches income over 2000 crores per annum to the state and assures direct and indirect livelihood to lacs of people. “This time lacs of apple boxes are packed and ready to be dispatched to different mandis of the country. However, due to steep rise in freight charges, the growers, who are already reeling under losses due to various reasons, are facing another burden. Government is duty bound to take immediate measures so that the freight charges are regulated.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel”
He also urged the Government to exempt fresh/dry fruits from GST. “All agriculture products, including fresh/dry fruits should have been exempted from GST. Fruit industry being back bone of the state’s economy needs support from the Government. But instead additional burden in the form of GST has been placed on fruit and other agricultural products,” the CPI (M) leader said.
He also expressed concern over the deteriorating power supply situation in Kashmir, especially remote area. “Chief Minister is only addressing meetings and making statements. The power supply is so erratic that people in remote hardly get supply for two continuous hours in a day. Transmission lines are in bad shape while the condition of transformers is a no secret.” (KNS)