In an attempt to extend relief to sugar mill owners, the state Government announced new molasses policy under which mills could hold only 15 per cent of the molasses and the rest they could sell in the open market. This new policy will come into effect from this fiscal.
The state Cabinet, which met here on Tuesday, gave an assent to the proposal. The Government spokesman said that mills could only reserve 15 per cent of the molasses against 23 per cent allowed earlier. A levy of Rs 11 per quintal will be charged for the sale of molasses inside UP and for outside sale it will be `15 per quintal.
“The mills have been asked to maintain a designated ratio between reserved and unreserved molasses and if they fail to do so, the benefit will be withdrawn,” the spokesman said.
The decision was taken to extend relief to sugar mills who had shown their inability to clear cane dues in view of sugar prices going bearish in the retail market. The decision will hold good for both captive and non-captive units. The captive units are those sugar mills which have distillery. “This decision will make available a large amount of molasses in the open market. This will allow market forces to act and can give sugar mill owners good support,” the officer said.
In another decision, the Government has decided to install solar power units in primary schools to run fans and provide drinking water. This project will start in 50 primary schools spread over five districts as pilot project. The NEDA has been asked to adopt these schools from this fiscal.
“Those schools will be picked up for this scheme where attendance of students is around 100. The battery life will be of five years and a service centre will be opened in each district to carry out maintenance work,” he said.
Besides, the spokesman added that the Government had also decided to give 45 per cent aid to farmers for setting up of solar photovoltaic irrigation pump. This grant will be over and above assistance extended by the Union Government.
In another decision, the Government has decided to introduce lohia Rural Transport Services where the fare will be 25 per cent less than the UPSRTC fare. These buses will cater to villages. In the first go, a fleet of 1500 such buses will be introduced.
The Government has also carried out an amendment in the GO providing housing facilities for the poor. As per new directives, the houses will be constructed within three years and if the construction is not completed within the stipulated time, a compensation of 15 per cent of the total cost of the project will be given to the beneficiary.
In other decision, the Government has decided to construct valedrome in Guru Gobind Singh Sports College in lucknow. The Government has also reduced VAT on paddy husk from existing 12.5 per cent to 4 per cent and has also gave 2.5 acre of land to Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) on lease for 30 years for the construction of IT Park in Meerut.
The Government has also sanctioned `622 crore for setting up bird sanctuary in Mainpuri and has extended ` 432 crore for strengthening of Firozabad water system.