New Delhi, December 30, : .Thanking Union for approving the State’s proposal of Rs 10.620 crore over the last four years, Himachal Pradesh Chief minister Jai Ram Thakur demanded that the Centre raise the apple import duty. The Chief Minister stated that the need for an increase in import duties on apples to protect the livelihoods of the 2.5 million families living in the state, at a meeting pre-budget consultation on Union Budget 2022-22-23 was discussed.
The primary horticultural crop in Himachal is apple, which also provides the majority of the state’s income.
The national market has seen a significant increase in imported Himachal apples, which have caused the prices to drop sharply.
Thakur stated that the import duty must be raised and that apple should not be included in the Open General Licence (OGL) list.
According to the Chief Minister, the Airport Authority of India has approved the construction of a greenfield airport in Mandi and also gave its final technical approval.
He stated that the project could be included in the Union Budget.
Thakur demanded that the airport be declared a project national significance.Because it’s located in the vicinity of Leh, Thakur stated that the airport proposed is strategic.Construction of the airport will cost Rs.3,000 crore.
Thakur stated that the options for rail and air connectivity in the state are very limited and that the existing three airports in Shimla Kullu, Kangra and Kangra only have short runways.
He stated, “Therefore the airport at Mandi has become the necessity of the hour.”
Thakur demanded that the Goods and Services Tax, (GST), compensation be extended for three more years.As part of Central assistance, the state receives GST compensation as well as revenue deficit grant (RDG).
GST compensation can only be effective until June 2022.
The 15th Finance Commission also recommended that the RDG be cut, which would adversely impact the finances of state governments.
He said that the GST compensation should be maintained.
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