Relief to rice millers

PNS|Hyderabad

Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao made it clear that Telangana which is becoming the numero uno in paddy production and the country’s rice bowl, will encourage rice exports to other states.

On the occasion, KCR announced that the 2 per cent CST (Central Sales Tax) dues (between 01.04.2015 and 30.06.2017) given during the export of rice to other states will be waived.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the Telangana government will protect the interests of rice millers and farmers by encouraging rice exports. Earlier, in the case of rice exports from Telangana to other states, there was a policy of providing 2 per cent concession in CST tax if the C-Form was filed.

This system was implemented in united AP. Later, it was implemented in Telangana as well. But the 2 per cent tax rebate in CST for rice exporters was suspended due to the non-submission of C-Form for rice exports from the state between 01.04.2015 and 30.06.2017.

The representatives of rice millers have been telling the state government that they are suffering losses due to the non-provision of the 2 per cent tax concession for Telangana rice millers for not submitting the C form.

They complained to the government several times that the purpose of the C form is only to verify whether the rice has been exported or not, and if it is not there, how will their right be cancelled. They requested the government to consider other methods to verify their exports instead of Form C. The millers said that they will submit evidence like loading, releasing, certificates, trucks, railway permits, way bills, etc.

During Monday’s visit to Damaracharla, Telangana Rice Millers Association representatives, accompanied by Minister Jagdish Reddy, Miryalagudem MLA Bhaskar Rao and Rythubandhu Samiti President Palla Rajeshwar Reddy met KCR. The Association requested that justice should be done to them.

After examining their request, the Chief Minister realised that accepting it was not only in the interests of Telangana rice millers, but also in the interests of farmers.

In view of Telangana’s excellent production of rice, it is considered the duty of the state government to promote rice exports. KCR decided that it would benefit the farmers of Telangana and directed Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar to look into the request of the rice millers and take immediate action to help them.

KCR ordered the Rythu Bandhu Samithi President to hold talks in a way that will benefit both the rice millers and farmers.