SC farmers’ training centre in Pinjore gets cost nod boost

Panchkula: The long-pending project to build a training centre for Scheduled Caste (SC) farmers in Pinjore has received a push, with the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board (HSAMB) approving a revised project cost of Rs 5.15 crore.

According to an official HSAMB communication, the project was initially sanctioned in 2019 at an estimated cost of Rs 3.98 crore under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY). However, revisions in the Haryana Schedule of Rates (HSR), an increase in GST from 12% to 18%, and updated estimates have led to a significant cost escalation.

The agriculture and farmers’ welfare department has approved additional funds amounting to Rs 1.44 crore, taking the total sanctioned amount to Rs 5.43 crore. While the additional funds are yet to be deposited with HSAMB, the competent authority has accorded final approval to the revised estimate under the Haryana Engineering Works Portal (HEWP).

The board clarified that expenditure will not exceed the funds deposited by the client department. Officials have been asked to initiate further steps, including preparation of the detailed estimate, DNIT, and other formalities required for execution.

The proposed centre is expected to strengthen capacity-building for SC farmers through training, awareness programmes, and skill development in modern agricultural practices.

Shivalik Vikas Manch president Vijay Bansal, who has been pursuing the project, said the original agriculture subdivisional office building near Pinjore Garden was demolished in 2019, after which operations shifted to a rented premises in Tipra, Kalka. The construction of the new facility, however, remained stalled for nearly seven years due to administrative and financial constraints.

Criticising the delay, Bansal said farmers from Pinjore, Doon, Raipurrani, Morni, Raitan, and parts of Barwala block continue to travel to the temporary office, which functions from a small rented building with limited facilities.

He warned that further delay would escalate costs and continue to inconvenience farmers dependent on the department for inputs related to crops, seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, and govt schemes.

Bansal added that the delay has particularly impacted small and marginal farmers, including those from Scheduled Caste communities. The proposed project also includes an advanced training facility for SC and ST farmers.

PROJECT SNAPSHOT

Project: SC Farmers’ Training Centre, Pinjore

Original sanction: 2019 under RKVY

Initial cost: Rs 3.98 crore

Revised cost: Rs 5.15 crore

Total approved outlay: Rs 5.43 crore

Reasons for hike: HSR revision, GST increase (12% → 18%), updated estimates

Status: Revised estimate approved; funds partly pending deposit

Next steps: Detailed estimate, DNIT, execution to begin