Kuldeep Singh Rathore, Congress MLA from Theog, has called on the Himachal Pradesh government to raise the support price for apples under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) from Rs 12 per kg to at least Rs 20 per kg. He cited rising input costs and crop losses faced by apple growers as the primary reasons for the request.
Addressing reporters on Monday in Shimla, Rathore stated that growers were grappling with escalating expenses on labour, fertilisers, manure, fungicides, and pesticides, compounded by adverse weather conditions affecting the crop.
“The MIS price for apples should be increased from Rs 12 to at least Rs 20 per kg. The cost of production has increased substantially, and the existing rate is not sufficient to provide relief to apple growers,” Rathore said.
He noted that the apple crop had been affected again this year while production costs continued to rise. Additionally, he highlighted that reductions in import duties on apples from foreign countries were negatively impacting domestic cultivators.
Rathore pointed out that the government had already increased prices for several agricultural commodities, including milk, turmeric, wheat, kinnow, and mango, yet the MIS price for apples remained unrevised.
He further revealed that approximately 13 to 14 Congress MLAs had jointly submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu requesting an increase in the apple MIS price to at least Rs 20 per kg.
“The Chief Minister has assured us that the demand would be considered sympathetically. Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi has also been asked to prepare a draft on the issue and submit it to the Chief Minister,” Rathore said.
Rathore also opposed the proposed increase in Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges on UPI transactions, arguing that the additional cost could ultimately be passed on to consumers. He noted the rapid expansion of digital payments in India and the growing preference for UPI over cash transactions.
“People are already bearing the burden of taxes and various charges. Any additional charge on digital transactions could ultimately become a burden on consumers, and the government should consider the decision in the larger public interest,” he said. The government has stated that UPI MDR will not be passed on to consumers.
On the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding for the Kishau dam project, Rathore welcomed the initiative but urged the government to carefully assess its environmental and social implications.
He said the project was expected to bring more than Rs 2,000 crore in benefits to Himachal Pradesh but emphasized that concerns related to the environment, climate change, and displacement must not be overlooked.
Citing the example of those displaced by the Pong Dam, he remarked that many affected families were still seeking resolution of their demands and rehabilitation issues.
“While the states benefiting from the project must get their due benefits, the possible environmental and social impact on Himachal Pradesh must also be taken into account,” Rathore said.
He highlighted increasing instances of extreme weather and disasters in Himachal Pradesh as reasons to examine the environmental impacts of large dams and tunnel projects carefully.
Rathore also claimed that the Revenue Deficit Grant to Himachal Pradesh had been discontinued and alleged that the Rs 1,500 crore assistance announced by the Center following the recent disaster had not yet been received by the state.
Regarding the controversy over the mimicry of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rathore distinguished between mimicry and abusive language.
“There is a difference between mimicry and abusing someone. I have seen the clip, and there is no abusive language against the Prime Minister in it,” he said.
Rathore added that political leaders were often mimicked and that such incidents should not be given undue seriousness.
He also accused Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders of allegedly using objectionable language against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and his mother, stating such language was equally inappropriate.
“If an apology is being demanded over mimicry, then BJP leaders should also apologize for the alleged objectionable language used against opposition leaders,” Rathore said.