Union Minister Ravneet Bittu discusses the issues of Industry and farmers of Punjab with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

New Delhi [India], July 11 (ANI): Union Minister of state for Railways and Food processing Ravneet Singh Bittu met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and had long discussions on the crucial issues regarding Punjab, seeking special incentives for border districts of Punjab on the pattern of Jammu and Kashmir and besides incentives for industry and farmers.

Taking up the issues of Punjab at a marathon meeting held late last night, Bittu urged the FM to consider demands of Punjab on priority being a border state.

Giving information to media, Bittu said that he had demanded special Incentives for Border Districts of Punjab namely Amritsar, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur & Tarn Taran to boost investment & employment opportunities in the State on lines with J and K and Northeastern states.

The minister informed the FM that the flagship Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (CLCSS) should be reintroduced with a threshold limit of 1,00,00.000, as there is a lack of effective schemes supporting MSMEs in achieving technological advancements. In light of the recent increase in capital costs, it is desired that the limit under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) be increased to 1,00,00,000.

Suggesting for amendment in freight subsidy criteria to cover MSMEs in Punjab, Bittu requested the FM that transportation costs to deliver goods to the nearest port in India is much higher for land-locked states such as Punjab than coastal states. The cost also depends on the distance of the nearest port from the respective state.

Bittu said that many other states like J and K, Himachal Pradesh, parts of Uttrakhand and West Bengal were enjoying transport subsidy ranging from 50 to 90 percent.

He also demanded reduction of GST on bicycle to 5% as on e-bicycles.

Bittu also demanded to commence the operations of the Refrigeration Unit near Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar to boost export of food items from Punjab. The unit installed years ago is not functional. It would benefit Punjab and neighboring states as well.

Bittu pushed for “Farmer Entrepreneur Initiative” and special incentives on Agro- based MSME industry along with Food processing industry as it will help Punjab farmers to set up food processing industries which will generate employment in the border state. He suggested lower rate of interest, collateral free loans, relaxation in CGST. He also sought waiver for Farmers with Land Holdings up to 5 Acres, soil Testing labs for Majha, Doaba and Malwa Regions of Punjab, special Package for R&D at Punjab Agriculture University Ludhiana.

Bittu said that Finance Minister heard him with patience and assured that Punjab will get very good representation in the coming budget.