In an attempt to augment resources the state government has decided to sell all the non-functioning cold storages under state run co-operative sector besides approving construction of five roads under World Bank Road Projects. The decisions were taken in the cabinet meeting held here on Tuesday. “In an attempt to extend help to the farmers the government has decided all the cold storages under state’s co-operative sector. There are over 40 cold storages that will go under the hammer,” Chief Secretary Alok Ranjan told The Pioneer here. This decision will also help the state to earn money as these cold storages were lying defunct for last many years. Exactly revenue the government will earn is not known immediately. “These cold storages will be sold out to private players in a transparent manner,” he said.
In another decision the Government has approved construction of five roads under the World Bank Road project. This decision will help in strengthening the road network across the state. The state cabinet has also approved the proposal to make culverts and bridges of Greenfield Agra-lucknow Expressway of eight lanes instead of six lanes. “Construction of eight-lane structure will cost over Rs 491 crore to the state exchequer,” Government spokesman said in a statement here. In other decisions state government has waived of VAT on shoes up to Rs 300 and gulkand. Spokesman said that VAT from all footwear including shoes and sandals would be waived of. The only condition is that the cost should not be more than Rs 300. Similarly, Government has waived VAT from Gulkand as it has a medicinal use and is used by poor for eye and stomach ailments.
In a major decision Government has approved Janeshwar Mishra Solar street light project which will cover 2000 panchayats and eight public places. Solar street lights will light up villages which in turn will improve the social fabric of the region. The place where these lights will be set up will be chosen by a team comprising BDO, Gram Panchayat Adhikari and Project officer. “UPNEDA will be the nodal agency of this project. The villages that already have solar lights will not be selected under this project. The implementing agency would be selected through e-tendering,” the spokesman said.
He said the villagers will be given a toll free number and in case of street lights not working they can lodge a complaint there. Government has also decided to include madarsas up to Aliya level under Government aid list. It has also decided to fill all the vacant posts of the faculty in state-run Homeopathy colleges on contract basis. Government has also approved formation of Sewari as separate tehsil in Ghazipur district.