The long-pending project to establish a training centre for Scheduled Caste (SC) farmers in Pinjore has gained momentum following the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board's (HSAMB) approval of a revised project cost of Rs 5.15 crore.
Project Background and Cost Escalation
Originally sanctioned in 2019 under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) with an estimated cost of Rs 3.98 crore, the project faced significant delays. According to an official HSAMB communication, revisions in the Haryana Schedule of Rates (HSR), an increase in Goods and Services Tax (GST) from 12% to 18%, and updated estimates led to a substantial cost escalation.
The agriculture and farmers' welfare department has approved additional funds of Rs 1.44 crore, bringing the total sanctioned amount to Rs 5.43 crore. While the additional funds are yet to be deposited with HSAMB, the competent authority has given final approval to the revised estimate through the Haryana Engineering Works Portal (HEWP).
Financial and Administrative Details
The board clarified that expenditure will not exceed the funds deposited by the client department. Officials have been instructed to proceed with further steps, including preparation of the detailed estimate, DNIT, and other formalities required for execution. The proposed centre aims to strengthen capacity-building for SC farmers through training, awareness programmes, and skill development in modern agricultural practices.
Criticism Over Delays
Shivalik Vikas Manch president Vijay Bansal, who has been pursuing the project, highlighted the prolonged delay. He stated that 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 remained stalled for nearly seven years due to administrative and financial constraints.
Bansal criticised the delay, noting that farmers from Pinjore, Doon, Raipurrani, Morni, Raitan, and parts of Barwala block continue to travel to the temporary office, which operates from a small rented building with limited facilities. He warned that further delays would escalate costs and continue to inconvenience farmers dependent on the department for inputs related to crops, seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, and government schemes.
Impact on Small and Marginal Farmers
Bansal added that the delay has particularly affected 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% to 18%), updated estimates
- Status: Revised estimate approved; funds partly pending deposit
- Next steps: Detailed estimate, DNIT, execution to begin
