CM Omar writes to Punjab counterpart over ‘illegal levy’ on livestock vehicles
Srinagar, June 29: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has sought the intervention of his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann to stop alleged unauthorised fee collection from livestock transporters at cattle fairs, saying the practice is causing “avoidable delays, financial losses and hardship” to traders from the Union Territory.
In a letter to Mann the J&K CM flagged concerns raised by the All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Union, which claimed that vehicles carrying livestock to the Valley are being stopped by certain contractor groups despite carrying all valid permits and requisite documentation.
The matter was also examined by an internal committee of the J&K Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, which found that transporters were being compelled to make “substantial payments per vehicle” during transit without any apparent legal sanction, the letter said.
The committee further observed that livestock movement is exempt from GST and that continued imposition of such charges is placing an additional burden on the trade, with consequential impact on meat prices and consumers in J&K, it added.
The Chief Minister underscored the “longstanding bonds of friendship, cooperation and economic interdependence” between Punjab and J&K, and termed the alleged practice inconsistent with the spirit of mutual cooperation.
The letter also flagged apprehension among stakeholders over the likely recurrence of such practices during the forthcoming tendering process for cattle fairs unless appropriate safeguards were put in place.
Urging early resolution of the matter, the J&K CM requested Mann to ensure “smooth, secure and unhindered movement” of livestock transport vehicles through Punjab and to see that no unauthorised interference or collection of charges is permitted from transporters complying with all statutory requirements.
