Centre to consider hiking MDA ceiling for coir exports to Rs 15 cr.

Kochi, Aug 3 (UNI) The Centre has agreed to consider the Coir Board's request to increase the ceiling of export turnover for Market Development Assistance (MDA) from Rs two crore to Rs 15 crore, the Coir Board said here today.

The Board said Union Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh asked Coir Board Chairman A C Jose to forward a detailed proposal on the subject, detailing the eligibility ceiling of other commodities.

Mr Ramesh, who visited the Coir Board office here today, told Mr Jose to forward the proposal after the latter brought to his notice that the eligibility ceiling for jute was Rs 15 crore, the Board said in a statement here.

It said the minister also agreed to sanction Flexible Complimenting Scheme (FCS) for the scientists working in the Central Coir Research Institute of the Coir Board. Under this scheme, scientists will benefit with automatic revision of pay after every five years.

Mr Ramesh also reviewed the preparations for the International Coir Fair '07 (IICF '07), to be held here from December seven to 11 this year.

Mr Jose informed the minister that the estimated expenditure for the conduct of the fair would be about Rs 2.50 crore and urged allotment for more Central funds for it.

The union commerce ministry has already sanctioned Rs 50 lakh and agreed to bear the travel cost of 75 international delegates/buyers attending IICF'07.

UNI