
Agriculture Minister Atchannaidu seeks GST cut on mango pulp from 12% to 5%
Speaking after the meeting in New Delhi, Atchannaidu alleged that farmers suffered under the YSRCP regime due to poor policy decisions and a failure to utilise Central schemes. 'The sector was paralysed under Jagan Mohan Reddy's rule,' he said, accusing the previous government of completely ignoring farmers' needs.
The Agriculture minister said that 64% of the State's population depends on agriculture, and the current government is prioritising their welfare.
He added that 3.5 lakh metric tonnes of mangoes have been procured from Chittoor farmers this season.
The State government fixed the price for Totapuri mangoes at Rs 12 per kg, with Rs 8 paid by processors and Rs 4 subsidised by the State government. Proposals have also been sent to the Centre to release Rs 130 crore under the Market Intervention Scheme.
On veterinary education, Minister Atchannaidu welcomed the Union government's approval to restore third and fourth-year B.V.Sc and A.H. courses at the College of Veterinary Science in Garividi of Vizianagaram district.
Commenting on former chiefr minister's proposed visit to Bangarupalem, Atchannaidu said that permission would be granted, however any disturbance to law and order would not be tolerated.
The minister also assured farmers that there is no shortage of fertilisers and that adequate supplies are being ensured across the State.
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Hindustan Times
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In its sharp criticism of the government, the forum claimed: "The government has abandoned the welfare state status of the country and is working in the interest of foreign and Indian corporates, and this is evident from its vigorously pursued policies." The unions reiterated their opposition to the "privatisation of public sector enterprises and public services, policies of outsourcing, contractorisation and casualisation of workforce". They also voiced concern that the four labour codes passed by Parliament are designed "to suppress and cripple the trade union movement, increase working hours, snatch workers' right to collective bargaining, right to strike, and decriminalise violation of labour laws by employers." The forum stressed that their demands include urgent measures to tackle unemployment, fill sanctioned posts, generate new employment opportunities, and improve conditions for MGNREGA workers, including better pay and increased work days. They also called for a similar employment guarantee act for urban areas. However, they argued, "the government is busy imposing ELI (Employment Linked Incentive) scheme to incentivise employers instead." It further alleged that in several government sectors, including the Railways, NMDC Ltd, steel plants, and teaching positions, the government is reappointing retired personnel rather than hiring young people. This practice, the forum claimed, is detrimental to the country's growth, especially when 65% of the population is under 35 years of age, and unemployment is highest among youth aged 20 to 25. Union leaders representing NMDC Ltd, along with other non-coal mineral sectors, steel units, state departments, and public sector companies, have also announced their participation in the strike by formally submitting notices. Support for the protest is also coming from the farming sector. 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