BJP demands enhanced compensation to chilli growers

Hyderabad, May 13 (UNI) The BJP today urged the Andhra Pradesh Government to enhance the compensation for chilli farmers, whose produce was completely damaged in the May 2 fire at Chilli market in Guntur, from Rs 1200 to Rs 1600 per bag.

In a letter to Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, a copy of which was released to the press here, the party also sought compensation for the produce acquired by commission agents and to purchase the farm produce directly from the farmers through auctions.

A BJP state fact finding committee, led by state president Bandaru Dattatreya, visited the site of the fire mishap on May 3 to ascertain the damage caused to farm produce, property and the protective measures taken up by the officials.

The committee suggested that a new market yard should be constructed with good facilities and buildings in Guntur and basic amenities like roads, water, accommodation, toilet and parking facilities be provided in the markets throughout the state.

As the government was garnering an annual income of Rs 450 crore through market cess, it should contribute Rs 550 crore and take steps to modernise all the market yards in the state by spending Rs 1000 crore, the committee recommended.

UNI VA ROY JT HT1530