Cess utilization policy soon: Minister Bimal Borah

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The State Government is drawing a new policy to utilize the cess it collected from the small tea growers of the state against each kg of green leave they produced.

The cess utilization policy currently being drafted will spell out how it will spend the money. The policy, if implemented, will benefit the small tea growers.

The State Government now does not charge any cess from the small tea growers. The State Industries Department has around Rs 192 crore collected from the small tea growers of the state in the form of cess over the years. The government has decided to spend the money on small tea growers in the state for their development and welfare.

Industries and Commerce Minister Bimal Borah met the small tea growers recently. The growers raised the issue of cess utilization for their welfare at the meeting.

Minister Borah told The Sentinel today, "The small tea growers contribute over 50 per cent of tea produced in the state. They play an important role in the economy of the state. We have decided to prepare a cess utilization policy afresh for the development and welfare of the small tea growers of the state. The drafting of the policy is underway. We will seek approval from the Chief Minister and the Cabinet to this effect."

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