Relief to growers as HC waives 6% commission at Azadpur Mandi

SHIMLA: The Delhi high court has granted a major relief to fruit growers of Himachal Pradesh by waiving the 6% commission being charged by arhtiyas (commission agents) at Azadpur Mandi in Delhi. The order was passed on Tuesday.
Himachal Pradesh government has pursued the issue vigorously with the Delhi government since 1994. Later, HP State Agriculture Marketing Board had moved the court against Delhi government decision to levy commission.
Speaking here on Wednesday, board chairman Dr Subhash Manglate said it was illegal commission which had drained the HP growers of Rs 800 crore, which they paid from 1999 to 2014 as market fee at Azadpur Mandi. He said the matter was also taken up with other Hill State and Council of State Agriculture Marketing Board so that the voice of farmers could be raised on a common platform.
Arhtiyas, too, had filed a review petition with Delhi high court against the board, but their plea was dismissed.
Terming the decision as historic one, HP State Agriculture Marketing Board managing director Dr H S Baweja said the HC had extended due relief to the fruit and vegetables growers of the country.