Market fee hike off, cotton mandis reopen

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 20

Trading in cotton mandis across the state resumed after the government today stayed its decision to hike the market fee and rural development fund (RDF).

The fees had been revised by 1 per cent to 3 per cent impacting trade in pulses, cotton and oilseeds in the state putting thousands of traders at a disadvantage with their counterparts in neighbouring states.

The tax in Rajasthan and Haryana was just 1 per cent on such commodities.

Ravinder Singh Cheema, president, Punjab Arhtiyas Association, said they had been informed that although the decision had been taken by the Cabinet, it would not be implemented till a notification was issued by the Mandi Board. Officials said the decision on the hike had been deferred following which trading resumed in the markets.

The prices of cotton, pulses and oilseeds had already been hiked following the implementation of the GST in the state. The hike might have affected the livelihood of thousands of families.