Himachal Government Gives Approval to 6% Subsidy on Apple Cartons

The Himachal Pradesh government gave ex post facto approval for 6 percent subsidy on cartons used for packaging fruit in the state. The decision comes amidst tomorrow’s (5 August) protest by Sanyukt Kisan Manch.

The Cabinet said that with effect from April 1, formal sanction had been given for the repayment of a 6% subsidy on the purchase of packing material, cartons, and trays, regardless of whether they were purchased from the open market or the Himachal Pradesh Marketing Corporation (HPMC). Farmers will need to present the Goods and Service Tax (GST) bill on cartons and trays, sale documentation, and Aadhar-linked bank account information in order to receive the subsidy.

"This is merely an effort to appease farmers. All decisions are being made quickly and under pressure”, according to co-convener of the Sanyukt Kisan Manch Sanjay Chauhan.  The association is demanding the government ease out formalities for the farmers to avail subsidies on cartons. The umbrella group of 24 farmer unions has now urged that the paperwork necessary to get the subsidy to be simplified.

Unfulfilled demands from the charter included setting the minimum support price along the lines of Kashmir, where prices are set according to the fruit's quality.

The state Cabinet also approved filling 320 positions under the National Health Mission on a contract basis, increasing the commission paid to owners of fair-price shops on the sale of sugar from Rs 7.57 to 50 cents per quintal, and increasing the percentage of the sale price on items that are specifically subsidized by the state from 3 to 4%.

The primary health center in Malokhar will be converted to a community health center, along with the creation and filling of three posts of various categories, and the primary health center in Bhakra, Bilaspur, will be converted to a community health center, along with the creation and filling of four posts. In addition, the community health center Hatwar in the Ghumarwin tehsil of the Bilaspur district will become a 10-bedded health institution.

The primary health centers at Geharwin and Kalol in the district of Bilaspur that have been transformed into community health centers have been authorized for six positions. In the Kinnaur district, a similar announcement was made for the primary health center at Spilow.