MP Dr. Rawat Holds Public Hearing: Tea Merchants Demand Removal of Farmer Welfare Fee, Railway Expansion Suggestions Received
Udaipur: On Saturday, MP Dr. Mannalal Rawat conducted a public hearing at the MP Service Center in the District Council, where a large number of residents presented issues and suggestions related to UDA, Railways, Municipal Corporation, District Council, Pension Department, Roads, and Jal Jeevan Mission. Complaints regarding illegal encroachments were also submitted.
During the hearing, Udaipur Tea Merchants Association representatives, including President Laxmichand Ostwal, Vice President Naresh Kumar Jain, and other members, met the MP to request the removal of the 0.50% Farmer Welfare Fee currently levied on tea leaves in Rajasthan. The representatives explained that according to the Agricultural Marketing Directorate, Jaipur’s order dated 16 September 2025, officials were instructed to collect 0.50% Farmer Welfare Fee on tea leaves in mandis. Previously, the government had recognized tea as a common beverage for the general public and had suspended the mandi fee, which remains in effect.
They further highlighted that tea leaves are neither produced nor processed in Rajasthan, and states where tea cultivation occurs do not levy such charges. Moreover, neighboring states impose only the standard 5% GST on tea without additional taxes. The imposition of this fee in Rajasthan discourages direct sales from other states and negatively impacts GST revenue.
Immediate Resolution of Local Issues
Residents of Dhimdi Bastis near Pratapnagar Railway Colony raised concerns about a blocked access road. Dr. Rawat immediately contacted railway officials, resulting in a prompt resolution. The issue arose because the Railway Department was constructing an office and officer quarters near the colony, and the access road previously used by locals was blocked with a boundary wall.
Railway Service Requests
Several residents suggested improvements in train timings and new railway services:
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The Ajmer–Siyaldah–Ajmer train (via Parasnath Summit Pilgrimage Site) remains at Ajmer station for 11 hours daily; extending this to Udaipur would benefit thousands of Jain pilgrims from nearby districts.
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The Lok-Shakti Express (Mumbai–Ahmedabad–Mumbai) arrives at Ahmedabad at 4:20 AM and departs at 8:45 PM, remaining idle for over 16 hours.
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The Ratlam–Udaipur–Ratlam Express (19327/19328), which reaches Udaipur at 11:35 PM and departs at 1:35 AM, often runs nearly empty. Residents suggested moving its Udaipur departure to 6:00 AM and extending the route to Bhopal for better utility.
Local Infrastructure Issues
Residents of UIT-converted Sanjay Colony and Ratakhet, Ward No. 10, submitted complaints regarding the construction of CC roads and drainage systems between Dr. Jagdish Nakela and Shankar Solanki.
Dr. Rawat addressed several issues on-site and assured citizens of follow-up actions for the remaining concerns, emphasizing proactive governance and citizen engagement.
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