Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, June 26: Members of the Fruit, Vegetable and Grocery Traders Association have denied allegations pertaining to the  APMC land.

Addressing a news conference on Monday, June 26, the members of the association clarified that all lands were distributed as per the rules and that no authorities were bribed or no illegal activities had taken place.

Applications from prospective traders were received by the association. The applications were then verified by the authorities and sent to the director of Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee, and all the money was collected through DD and so no illegal activities took place in between.

A total of 14 plots were available and 23 applications were submitted. The applications were then verified and 11 traders received plots. Three plots remain empty. The land where storehouses are constructed does not belong to the government and they have been bought by APMC, the members clarified.

Traders who received the plot must construct cowsheds according to the map given by APMC at their own expenses. No house, washrooms, upper floors can be constructed in that land. Two members cannot own the same storehouse through mutual understanding or give it on rent or it cannot be sold to others before ten years.

The market must be paid on time to the committee. The APMC authorities and staff members have ensured that tight security is provided by installing CCTV’s and also to see to it that no illegal activities take place.

Sathish Nayak, president of Fruit, Vegetable and Grocery Traders Association, Achuth Pai, organising secretary, Mansoor K Hassan, secretary, Samilla vice-president and Ganesh Kamath Koteshwara, treasurer, were present.