In view of the confusion being created between the farmers and traders due to the decision to implement agriculture fee in Jharkhand, a meeting of the apex traders’ body of the State, Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FJCCI) was held under the leadership of FJCCI Chairman, Kishor Mantri with State’s Agriculture Minister, Badal on Monday.

Mentioning the impracticalities of the Agriculture Fee Bill, everything was explained in detail as to how the business, farmers and consumers of the State would be affected by the effect of this bill. It was also told that in view of its impracticalities, the duty was reduced to zero in the year 2015, which was in the interest of the farmers and traders of Jharkhand. The withdrawal of that fee through this bill will again increase the irregularities.

The delegation said that mostly only imported goods are traded in Jharkhand. By imposing agricultural duty on goods imported from other states, on which the market committee has not provided any facility, it will directly increase inflation on the common consumer.

The Chamber President said that the real model of the Agricultural Market Committee in Jharkhand is that of the secondary market. He said that with the implementation of the bill, even small shops operating in towns will have to take licences and livestock and fisheries have also been brought under the ambit of agricultural duty. He also expressed his concern on the issues of prohibition from civil lawsuits and others. It was urged that in the interest of the consumers, farmers and businesses of the State, initiative should be taken to abolish this bill.

Mantri also invited the Minister to the Chamber Bhavan for a detailed discussion on this issue with the businessmen of all the districts of the State.

Badal listened carefully to all the talks of the delegation and showed a positive attitude. Along with this, he also assured for State-level talks with the traders by coming to the Chamber building on the invitation of the Chamber President.

Former Deputy Mayor of Ranchi Municipal Corporation, Ajay Nath Shahdev, Jharkhand Congress's Secretary, Sanjay Pandey, Deepak Ojha, besides Chamber Vice President, Aditya Malhotra, General Secretary, Dr Abhishek Ramadhin, Ranchi Chamber Pandra President Sanjay Mahuri, Anil Sharma , Ashok Mangal were involved……