The Hindu Business Line : Replantation: Tea body for continuing subsidy scheme

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Replantation: Tea body for continuing subsidy scheme

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"The entitlement of the subsidy should not be linked to the proposed SPTF".

Kolkata , Dec. 24

The Tea Association of India has urged the Union Government to continue the Tea Board's existing subsidy scheme for replantation of tea such that the scheme goes hand in hand with the proposed Special Purpose Tea Fund being planned by the Government for replantation and rejuvenation of tea bushes.

"The entitlement of the subsidy should not be linked to the proposed SPTF," Mr Sashank Prashad, Senior Vice-President, Tea Association of India, said, while addressing the 28th annual general meeting of the Assam branch of the association in Jorhat in Assam

Mr Prashad expressed apprehension that the SPTF, which was to have become operational from November but did not, might contain some rigid and restrictive conditions which, if imposed, would deny weaker tea gardens an opportunity for revival. He, therefore, urged the Tea Board to offer loan at a concessional rate of interest, set the operational parametres of the SPTF in such a manner that those who deserved assistance were not left out and the rate of subsidy should not be less than 30 per cent.

Exemption sought

Mr Prashad also appealed to the Assam Government for granting total exemption from payment of green leaf cess for at least three years. Alternatively, the cess should be reduced substantially.

He also urged the State government to keep in abeyance the collection of agriculture income-tax for at least three years.

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