a) whether the Government has recently increased the analytical charges for testing of spices samples;
b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
c) whether the Government has received any complaints/representations against such price hike; and
d) if so, the details thereof and the response of the Government thereto?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)
(a) & (b): The testing charges of spice samples for various quality parameters were increased by the Spices Board in 2014, effective from 01/04/2014. Prior to this, the revision of testing charges of spice samples had taken place in the year 2009. The increase in the testing charges for various types of samples effected in 2014 varies from 20% to 50%, depending on the cost of input such as chemicals & consumables etc. The testing charges are fixed having regard to the actual expenditure incurred on chemicals, equipment and incidental costs of analysis. However, as an export promotion measure, the Spices Board does not include the cost of sophisticated instruments, their maintenance and other infrastructure costs like electricity, water, salary of regular manpower and costs of NABL accreditation in the total cost for fixing the rates.
(c) & (d): Government is not aware of any complaint /representation made in this regard. Government extends through the Spices Board, 50% subsidy for testing of spice samples in case of mandatory testing for export for all consignments below five MTs. In the case of samples of Chilly received from farmers, Board provides 90% subsidy for testing the quality of spice samples.
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