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PAU to levy cess
on farmers
WSN Network
Ludhiana: in a move that could have wider remifications, Punjab
Agricultural University in its board of management meeting has given
its approval for levying 50 paisa cess on every Rs 100 earned by a
farmer who sells his agricultural produce in mandis. In return for
this favour, farmers would be given more representation in PAU board
of management.
Considered Punjab's agricultural engine, the university has lately
been facing financial crisis, and the latest move may pave the way
to generate some dunds, but at the same time it alos has the
potential to stir a hornet’s nest, as farmer’s unions may not take
to the proposal eagerly.
It
is learned that the proposal will now be sent to the state
department of agriculture, which in turn with the help of Punjab
Mandi Board would convert it into a legislation. The board of
management discussed in detail the pension crisis being faced by
PAU. It was in view of high court’s orders to
PAU
to disburse pensions in a stipulated time frame of one month. Dr MS
Mahal, president, PAU Teachers’ Association, after the meeting said
the issue has been discussed in view of HC’s orders to disburse
pensions.
“It has been felt that as the university has no funds to disburse
pensions, state government would be asked to contribute, if not all,
at least a part of the amount,” Mahal said.
However, as was expected, the proposals made by Fund Generation
Committee (FGC) were not discussed. Dr Mahal said discussion on
these proposals was not a part of the agenda. FGC was formed on
the state government’s recommendations to
PAU to find out ways to increase its revenue. The committee had got
various proposals from different quarters and had deliberated on
each of them.
Earlier, Jang Bahudur Singh Sangha, member, board of management, had
said the committee would submit its report to BoM in the board
meeting. It is learned that BoM has also approved to apply 50 paisa
cess on every package of agricultural produce that comes to market
for sale.
23
July, 2008
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