INLD seeks withdrawal of export duty on Basmati

Chandigarh, Nov 6 (UNI) Taking great exception to the imposition of Rs 800 per quintal export duty on Basmati, the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) today urged the Centre to withdraw the duty immediately.

Talking to reporters here, former Haryana chief minister and INLD leader Sampat Singh said the declaration of the Pusa 1121 variety of paddy as Basmati by the Centre without withdrawing the export duty on it had caused the farmers a loss of about Rs 2000 crore.

He alleged that the Congress-led UPA government was formulating policies which benefited big traders, commission agents and exporters and caused loss to farmers.

He pointed out that the Agriculture Costs and Prices Commission had recommended Rs 1050 per quintal Minimum Support Price for paddy but the government announced only Rs 850 MSP for paddy.

On the alleged deteriorating law and order situation in Haryana, Mr Sampat Singh said an INLD delegation would meet the President soon to demand dismissal of the Hooda government and imposition of the President's rule in the state.

Referring to the recent incident in which a student was allegedly shot dead by the Haryana Police in Bhiwani, he said it was a heinous crime and the police was trying to suppress the matter.

He said eight policemen had been booked in the case but only one had been arrested so far.

UNI MA MMS RL CS1655