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TEA BOARD 14, B.T.M. Sarani (Brabourne Road)

Kolkata- 700 001.

P.O. Box No. 2172 :: GRAM : TEEBORD :: [ STD Code : 033 ] :: Fax No. :: (033) 2221—5715 Tel. No:2235-1411-12 &14-16 :: Website : www.teaboard.gov.in.:: E-mail: secytboard@gmail.com

No.3(1)/Sectt/2012/1986 Dated: 10.02.2012. TO ALL SPECIAL INVITEES OF THE BOARD

Sub: 218th Meeting of the Board and its various Standing Committees to be held in Kolkata on 02nd March, 2012.

Madam/Sir, I am directed to state that the 218th meeting of the Board and its standing committees will be held at the “BOARD ROOM” at it’s Head Quarter at 14, B.T.M. Sarani, Kolkata-700 001, West Bengal on 02nd March, 2012 (Friday), as per the under-noted programme : D a t e Name of the Meeting T i m e 02-03-2012 (1) Executive Committee 30 mts 10.00 AM to 10.30 AM; ( Friday ) (2) Labour Welfare Committee 30 mts 10.30 AM to 11.00 AM; (3) Development Committee 30 mts 11.00 AM to 11.30 AM; (4) Tea Promotion Committee 30 mts 11.30 AM to 12.00 Noon; (5) BOARD MEETING ………. 12.00 PM onwards.

Agenda with notes bearing No.A-1 is attached. You are requested to kindly make it convenient to attend the meeting of the 04 (four) standing committees and Board on 02-03-2012 2011 as Special Invitee. Yours faithfully, Encl: As stated

Sd/- ( Kaushik Halder )

Secretary.

….Contd…..2…

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- 2- Distribution: = 1 The President, Tea Association of India, 4, India Exchange Place (7th Floor), Kolkata –700 001 2 The Chairman, Darjeeling Tea Association, 6, N. S. Road, Kolkata-700 001, West Bengal. 3 The Chairman, United Planters’ Association of Southern India, [UPASI -- Tea Committee] ‘Glenview’, Coonoor, Nilgiris. Tamil Nadu PIN – 643 101. 4 The Chairman & Managing Director, North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Limited [ NEDFI ], Basundhara Enclave, B.K. Kakati Road, Ulubari, Guwahati-781 007, ASSAM 5. Mr. D. Hedge, President, United Planters’ Association of Southern India, [UPASI] ‘Glenview’, Coonoor, Nilgiris. Tamil Nadu PIN – 643 101. 6. The Chairman, Tea Research Association [ TRA] 113, Park Street, 9th Floor, Kolkata – 700 001. Copy forwarded to :- 1. The Additional Secretary to the Government of India,

Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Deptt. of Commerce, ‘Udyog Bhawan’, New Delhi – 110 011. - Referring to this office letter of even no.1650 dt.07-12-2011, it is once again requested to depute representative of MoC, DoC for the Meeting as ‘Special Invitee’ of the Board.

2. P.As’ to Chairman / Deputy Chairman / Secretary.

3. Research Officer (Stats) … with the request to upload in the website. 4. Security Officer.

[Ref. File No.3(1)/Sectt/2012]

Sd/- Secretary.

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AGENDA NOTE FOR THE MEETING OF THE BOARD TO BE HELD IN KOLKATA, WEST BENGAL ON 02nd March, 2012.

Item No.A –1 of the Board.

To confirm the minutes of the Meeting of the Board held at Coonoor, Tamil Nadu on 29th December, 2011.

The minutes of the last Meeting of the Board held at Coonoor, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu on 29th December, 2011, were circulated to all Members of the Board vide this office Circular No. 3(3)/Sectt/2011/1790 dated 12th January, 2012, with the request to communicate necessary suggestions / amendments, if any, within 31st January, 2012, to this office.

No comments has since been received by this office from the members; except the name of Shri Hiranya Bora, Board Member was missing in the list of members present and the same has also been incorporated and circulated vide letter No.3(1)/Sectt/2012/1988 dt.10-02-2012 along with its enclosures.

Accordingly, the minutes could be confirmed recording the above inconvenience caused, if agreed to. [ Ref. File No.3(1)/Sectt./2012 ].

**********

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TEA BOARD

14, B.T.M. Sarani (Brabourne Road ), Kolkata- 700 001.

P.O. Box No. 2172 :: STD Code : 033 :::::::::::::::::: Tele-fax No. :: (033) 2221—5715.

Tel. No : 2235-1411-12 &14-16 :: Website : www.teaboard.gov.in. :: E-mail:secytboard@gmail.com

. BY E-MAIL & SPEED POST To: Sri Hiranya Bora, Board Member, House No. 36, Tarun Nagar, Bye-Lane-4, Guwahati-781 005, Asssam. E-mail Id-hiranyaboraintuc@gmail.com

From : Kaushik Halder, Secretary, Tea Board, Kolkata.

Signature : __Sd/-_

No.3(1)/Sectt/2012/1988 No. of Page : 01(one) Dated: 10.02.2012

Sub: Minutes of 217th Board Meeting held at Coonoor on 29-12-2011.

Sir, Kindly refer to your E-mail dated dt.29-01-2012, on the above subject. In this connection, I am directed to state that your name has inadvertently been omitted in the list of members present the aforesaid minutes of Board, the inconvenience caused by which is regretted. Also, necessary correction/changes in the list of the members present in minutes of 217th Board Meeting has also been done and as requested, a fresh copy of the same is being sent to you. Regards, ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copy for File No.3(3)/Sectt/2011 – 217th BM File

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TEA BOARD 14, B.T.M. Sarani ( Brabourne Road )

Kolkata- 700 001

P.O. Box No. 2172 :: STD Code : 033 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Tele-fax No. :: (033) 2221—5715 Tel. No : 2235-1411-12,1414-16 :: Website : www.teaboard.gov.in.:: E-mail:secytboard@gmail.com

Ref.No.3(3)/Sectt/2011/1790 Date : 12-01-2012. To : BY SPEED POST

ALL MEMBERS OF THE BOARD & SPECIAL INVITEES OF THE BOARD. Sub:- Minutes of the Meeting of the Board held at Coonoor, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu on 29th December, 2011.

Madam/Sir, I am directed to forward herewith a copy of minutes of the 217th meeting of the Board held at Coonoor, Tamil Nadu on 29th December, 2011. In case you have any comments to offer on the minutes, please communicate the same by 31st January, 2012 to this office.

Yours faithfully, Sd/-

( Kaushik Halder ) Enclo:Asstated. Secretary.

Copy forwarded to: 1. The Secretary to the Govt. of India, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Deptt. of Commerce, Udyog Bhawan, New Delhi – 110 011. 2. The Addl. Secretary to the Govt. of India, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Deptt. of Commerce, Udyog Bhawan, New Delhi – 110 011. 3. The Addl. Secretary & Financial Adviser to the Govt. of India, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Udyog Bhawan, New Delhi – 110 011. 4. The Director (Plantation) to the Govt. of India,Ministry of Commerce & Industry,Plantation (A) Section,Udyog Bhawan, New Delhi – 110 011. 5. The Director to the Government of India, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Deptt. of Commerce, ‘Udyog Bhawan’, New Delhi – 110 011. 6. All Head of the Departments of Board’s H.O./Regional/Sub-Regional Offices and DTPs’ Abroad [By E-mail OR by Post ] 7. Board’s Website [ www.teaboard.gov.in ]

[ Ref.File No.3(3)/Sectt/2011 ] Sd/- Secretary.

Minutes of the 217th meeting of the Board held in Coonoor,Nilgiris,Tamilnadu on 29th December, 2011.

Members present: 1. Shri M.G.V.K. Bhanu, Chairman, Tea Board, 2. Shri C. N. Nataraj, Vice-Chairman, Tea Board, 3. Shri J. L. Butail,Chairman,Kangra Tea Planters Association,Kangra-176059, Himachal Pradesh. 4. Shri Rajinder Singh Thakur,P.O.Khalet,Teh.Palampur,Dist. Kangra,Himachal Pradesh,PIN-176

061, 5. Shri Koshy Baby, 11/157, Puthumana, Chambala, Calicut Road, Gudalur Bazar -P.O., PIN -

643 212, Nilgiris District, Tamil Nadu 6. Shri Samir Roy, Station Road, Jalpaiguri 735101 7. Shri M. Chandrakant, MD, Golcha Tea Plantations Pvt. Ltd., 42(15/A) 1st Cross, Chintamani Nagar, KK Pudur, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 8. Shri Dinesh Kr. Sharmah, Vice-President, All Assam Small Tea Growers Association, Tinsukia,

Assam. 9. Ms. Barnali Dey Mohinta, C/o. Smt.Gita Dey, Dey’s Lodge, Nazrul Sarani, Ashrampara, Siliguri, PIN-734 401, 10. Ms. Chitra Ramesh, 801, A Block, RNS Shanthi Nivas Apartment, Tumkur Road,

Yeswanthpur, Bengaluru 560 022, 11. Dr. S.Ramu, Ph.D, Doddacombu Tea Factory Pvt. Ltd.,Snowdon Tea Factory,Coonoor,Nilgiris,

TN 12. Shri Akshay Kumar Rajkhowa, 4-F, Aditi Apartment, Manik Nagar, By-Lane 2(Right),

Guwahati 781005, Assam. 13. Sanjiv Sarin, Regional President-South Asia, Tata Global Beverages Ltd., 62, III Cross, II Phase,

Industrial Suburb, Yeswantpur, Bengaluru. 14. Shri Hiranya Bora, House No.36, Tarun Nagar, Bye-Lane-4, Guwahati, Asssam-781 005 15. The Director, Department of Industries & Commerce, Govt of Tripura, Agartala- 799 001. 16. Shri A.K. Moni, Ex-MLA, Top Station Road, Munnar-P.O., Dist.Idukki, PIN-685 612, Kerala

The following members regretted their inability to attend the meeting and leave of absence was granted to them:-

1. Shri Rajen Gohain, MP(Lok Sabha),Tilak Deka Road,Itchali,P.O.& Dist. Nagaon, Pin 782 001, Assam

2. Shri P.Vishwanathan, MP (Lok Sabha), F-9 Varsha Block, Vasundhara , Residential Enclave, Andalpuram, Madurai 625003, Tamil Nadu

3. Shri Saman Pathak,Member of Parliament, 507,V.P. House, Rafi Marg, NewDelhi-110 001, 4. Principal Secretary, Micro, Medium & Small Industries Department, Government of

Tamilnadu, Chennai-600 009, 5. Principal Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla–171002, 6. Shri C.S. Bedi, Chairman, Indian Tea Association, Royal Exchange, 6, N.S. Road, Kolkata-1 7. Shri Anshuman Kanoria, 10, Princep Street, Kolkata-700 072, 8. Shri P.V. Balachandran, Chandra Estate, P.O. Narikundu, Ambalavayal - 673 593, Wayanad 9. Shri D.P. Roy, MLA, Natun Para, P.O. & District Jalpaiguri, Pin Code-735 101. 10. Shri Shankar Malakar, President, Darjeeling Dist. Congress Committee, Babupara, Siliguri 11. Shri Aloke Chakraborty, Secretary, INTUC West Bengal Branch, Putul Ghar, Durgaguri, P.O.

Pradhannagar, Siliguri, Pin Code-730 001, West Bengal 12. Dr. Ajit Kumar Agarwala, Agarwala House, 2nd Milestone, Sevoke Road, Siliguri

The following members did not attend the meeting:-

1. The Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce Deptt, Govt. of Assam, Dispur,Guwahati-6, 2. The Secretary (Investment Promotion) Industries Department, Govt. of Kerala, Secretariat Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695001. 3. Additional Chief Secretary & Principal Secretary, Commerce & Industries Department, Govt. of West Bengal, 4, Camac Street, Kolkata-700 017.

Special Invitees present: 1 Shri D.P. Maheswari, Chairman, Tea Research Association, Kolkata 2 Shri D.Hegde, President, UPASI, Coonoor 3 Shri Ullas Menon, Secretary General, UPASI-Tea Committee, Coonoor

Chairman welcomed the members. He said that he has assumed charge as Chairman, Tea Board on 17th November, 2011 and it was his first time the Board is meeting. He requested the co-operation of the members for fruitful conduct of the meeting. He added that he has worked in various posts in Assam and Andhra Pradesh and his last posting was Resident Commissioner, Government of Assam in New Delhi. As Deputy Commissioner of Sonitpur, Assam, he had an exposure to tea. He further said that he was meeting Shri J.L. Butail, Shri R.S.Thakur and Shri Sanjiv Sarin for the first time. He could meet others on various forums.

Deputy Chairman said that as is customary the Committee meetings would be taken up first followed by the Board. She requested all the members present to participate in the deliberations of the Committee meetings for a fruitful decision. As most of the issues discussed in the Committees were part of the agenda of the Board, once such issues were discussed in detail in the Committee by participation of all the Board members present, the same need not be repeated in the Board. This would enable the Board to concentrate more on important issues pertaining to the industry which needed detailed deliberations.

Item No.A-1 To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Board held in Kolkata, on 21st September, 2011

The minutes of the Board held in Kolkata on 21st September2011 were circulated on 10th October, 2011. Few comments were received from Shri C. N. Nataraj, Vice-Chairman which were incorporated into the minutes. If agreed to the minutes could be confirmed.

Shri Samir Roy said that in the minutes at some places names of the members have been incorporated and at other places there was no name mentioned. Chairman said that uniformity would be maintained while preparing the minutes. The Board confirmed the minutes of the meeting held in Kolkata 21st September, 2011 with the amendments suggested by Shri C. N. Nataraj. Item No A-2 To note the action taken by the office on the main decisions/conclusions reached

by the Board at its meeting held in Kolkata, on 21st September, 2011 The Board noted the action taken by the office on the main decisions/conclusions reached by the Board at its meeting held in Kolkata on 21st September, 2011, as indicated in the agenda.

Item No.A-3 To note approval of the Certified Audited Annual Accounts of the Board by circulation under Rule 16 of the Tea Rules, 1954

Secretary informed that the Annual Accounts with Audit Report and Annual Report of the Board for the year 2010-11 has been placed on table of both the Houses of the Parliament.

The Board noted the position.

Item No.B-1 To accord ex-post-facto approval towards extension of advisory services being provided by Shri Asit Kumar Kala for another term of 06(Six) months commencing from 03rd November, 2011.

As recommended by the Executive Committee, the Board accorded ex-post-facto

approval towards extension of Advisory Services, being provided by Shri Asit Kumar Kala for a further period of 06 months w.e.f. 03rd November, 2011, under the existing terms and conditions.

Item No.B-2 To accord ex-post-facto approval towards extension of full time Advisory

Services being provided by Dr. H.N. Dwibedi for a further period of 6(six) months w.e.f. 01st October, 2011.

As recommended by the Executive Committee, the Board accorded ex-post-facto approval towards extension of full time Advisory Services, being provided by Dr. H.N. Dwibedi for a further period of 06(six) months w.e.f. 01st October,2011, under the existing terms and conditions.

Item No.B-3 To accord ex-post-facto approval for extension of the tenure of Dr. Nirmalya Roy, as part-time Physician of the Board for a period of 3(three) months with effect from 01.11.2011.

As recommended by the Executive Committee, the Board accorded ex-post-facto approval towards extension of the tenure of Dr. Nirmalya Roy, as part-time Physician of the Board for a period of 03(three) months with effect from 01.11.2011, under the existing terms and conditions.

Item No.B-4 To accord approval for extension of the tenure of Shri Deb Kumar Majumdar as Technical Advisor (part time) of the Board for a further period of 06 (six) months with effect from 01-3-2012.

As recommended by the Executive Committee, Board accorded approval for extension of the tenure of Shri Deb Kumar Majumdar, as Technical Advisor(Part time) for a period of 06(six) months with effect from 01.03.2012.

Item No.B-5

To accord ex-post-facto sanction for a total amount of Rs 2,18,841/- towards the payment to M/s AMRI Hospital, Salt lake for inpatient treatment of Shri Sunil Ranjan Roy(since deceased)

As recommended by the Executive Committee, Board accorded ex-post-facto sanction towards payment of Rs 2,18,841/- to M/s. AMRI Hospital, Salt Lake for treatment of Shri Sunil Ranjan Roy (since deceased), dependent father of Shri Aloke Roy, an employee of the Board. Item No.B-6 To accord ex-post-facto approval of Rs 1.00 lakh and Rs 4,63,849/- as remitted

to DTRDC as wages of the daily rated Plantation workers w.e.f. 01.04.2011 and the change of booking of the said expenditure to R&D A/c from Non-Plan A/c .

As recommended by the Executive Committee, the Board accorded ex-post-facto approval of Rs.1.00 lakh as ad hoc payment in enhanced rate of wages of the plantation workers under DTR&DC in the first quarter and Rs. 4,63,849/- for second quarter i.e. July to September, 2011 and also approval towards change of booking of the wages of the plantations workers from Non-Plan to R & D A/c.

Item No.B-7 To accord ex-post-facto approval and sanction of Rs.19,51,000/- to complete the construction of Type-III six residential staff quarters for DTR&DC, Kurseong.

As recommended by the Executive Committee, the Board accorded ex-post-facto approval for payment of Rs 19.51 lakhs to the CPWD, Gangtok.

Item No.B-8 To consider and approve of the proposal for creation of a post of Executive Director (North Bengal) in the same rank and scale of Executive Directors at Guwahati and Coonoor to be posted at Siliguri.

In addition to the Agenda note, Chairman said that an administrative decision has been taken to shift the Guwahati office to Jorhat and setting up of the Small Tea Growers Directorate at Dibrugarh because of its ideal location, connectivity to Delhi and other places and also due to concentration of large number of small tea growers.

Chairman also informed that the Chennai office would be shifted to Coimbatore while maintaining the Tea Centres/Kiosks at Chennai Secretariate, Koyambedu Bus Stand and at Tirumala. The officer at the Tirumala could supervise other units also. While Group D staff would be absorbed at the Tea Centres and some senior staff would be retiring the Labour Welfare Officer and few staff would be shifted to Coimbatore and function from there. Coimbatore is ideally located and tea garden workers can be easily approached from there. A few Development Officers would also be posted there so that they can better serve the industry. The members unanimously welcomed the proposal. The Board unanimously welcomed and endorsed the decisions. As recommended by the Executive Committee, the Board approved the proposal for creation of a post of Executive Director (North Bengal) in the same rank and scale of Executive Directors at Guwahati and Coonoor to be posted at Siliguri, subject to the approval of the Government.

Item No.B-9 To consider and approve the proposal for up gradation of Grade Pay to Rs.4,200/- for 30 UDCs with effect from 01.09.2008.

As recommended by the Executive Committee, the Board approved the proposal for allowing the higher grade pay of Rs.4200/- to 30 (thirty) Senior U.D.Clerks, as per the normal procedure as detailed in the agenda note. Item No.B-10 (1) To accord ex-post-facto approval for payment of Rs 2,63,000/- in favour of

Pay & Acounts Officer, O/o the Accountant General(A&E)being the Audit fees for the year 2010-11(Certification) in respect of Board’s Head Office, Kolkata and

(2) To accord ex-post-facto approval for payment of Rs. 3,65,470/- towards settlement of arrear claims for the year 2007-09 to 2009-10 consequent upon revision of Audit fees with retrospective effect from 01.08.2008 to 01.01.2011 by the Economic & Service Ministries, New Delhi.

As recommended by the Executive Committee, the Board accorded ex-post-facto approval towards payment of Rs.6,28,740/- in favour of Pay and Accounts Officer(Audit), O/o. the Accountant General (A&E), G.I. Press Building, 8, Kiran Sankar Roy Road, Kolkata-700 001, as detailed in the agenda note.

Item No.B-11 To consider and approve the proposal for eligibility of transfer after period of

09 (nine) years up to the cadre of Development Officer. As recommended by the Executive Committee, the Board agreed to set a pre-condition, henceforth, of a minimum service of 07 (seven) years at the place of initial posting or till promotion and transfer, whichever is earlier to all newly recruited staff upto the rank of Development Officer before transferring them to other areas. Item No.C-1 To consider the proposal for sanction of capital grant for a sum of Rs.12.00

lakhs (Rupees Twelve lakhs only) for construction of school building of St. Antony’s Hr. Secondary School, Coonoor, the Nilgirs.

As recommended by the Labour Welfare Committee, the Board approved the proposal

for sanction of capital grant for a sum of Rs.12.00 lakhs (Rupees Twelve lakhs only) for construction of school building of St. Antony’s Hr. Secondary School, Coonoor, the Nilgirs, subject to fulfillment of all the required formalities, as per the usual terms and conditions to be embodied in the agreement.

Item No.C-2

To consider the proposal for sanction of capital grant for a sum of Rs.2,43,136/- in favour of Parry Agro Industries Limited, Coimbatore for purchase of medical equipments/accessories for the Sheikalmudi Garden Hospital, Murugalli Estate, Murugalli Bazar, Valparai, Tamilnadu.

As recommended by the Labour Welfare Committee, the Board accorded sanction of capital grant for a sum of Rs.2,43,136/- in favour of Parry Agro Industries Limited, Coimbatore for purchase of medical equipments/accessories for the Sheikalmudi Garden Hospital, Murugalli Estate, Murugalli Bazar, Valparai, Tamilnadu, subject to fulfillment of all the required formalities as per the usual terms and conditions to be embodied in the agreement.

Item No.C-3 To consider the proposal for sanction of capital grant for a sum of Rs.11,97,000/- (Rupees Eleven lakhs ninety seven thousand only) for construction of school building of Judhabir Higher Secondary School, Mal Busty, Gorubathan, Darjeeling.

As recommended by the Labour Welfare Committee, the Board approved the proposal for sanction of capital grant for a sum of Rs.11,97,000/- (Rupees Eleven lakhs ninety seven thousand only) towards construction of school building of Judhabir Higher Secondary School, Mal Busty, Gorubathan, Darjeeling, subject to fulfillment of all the required formalities as per the usual terms and conditions to be embodied in the agreement.

Item No.D-1 TO NOTE THE PROGRESS OF THE ONGOING DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES

The Board noted the position.

Item No.D-2 To reconsider the recommendation/modifications suggested by M/s. KPMG in their report on Evaluation of the 11th Plan Development Schemes

The Board accepted the recommendation of the Evaluation Committee.

Item No. D-3 To note the project physical and Financial Targets for the XII Plan Period (2012-17).

The Board noted the position.

Item No. D-4 To consider the recommendation of the Expert Committees appointed by Government and Tea Board with regard to loan component of the Special Purpose Tea Fund Scheme.

As recommended by the Development Committee, the Board accepted the findings of the Committees.

Item No.D-5 To consider the proposed placement of the sanctioned posts and functional responsibilities of the Small Grower Development Directorate.

The Board noted the position.

Item No. D-6

To note the suggestions received from Ministry and views of the Board conveyed to the Ministry with regard to Orthodox production subsidy.

The Board noted the position.

Item No. D-7 To consider and approve the proposed study tours for tea growers of South India.

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As recommended by the Development Committee, the Board approved the proposed study tour and sanctioned a sum of Rs.7.30 lakhs for the purpose. It was also decided that two Board members each would be included in such study tour proposals while visiting overseas countries.

Item No. D-8 To consider the proposal received from Shri P.Viswanathan, Hon’ble MP and Board member for providing financial grant to Kundah Industrial Co-operative Tea Factory in Nilgiris for its golden jubilee celebrations.

It was felt that as the Hon’ble Member was not present, it would be ideal to defer consideration of the proposal to the next meeting.

The Board accepted the suggestion.

Item No. D-9 To consider the proposal received from ED, Coonoor for providing computers to the progressive SHGs in Nilgiris.

As recommended by the Development Committee, the Board considered and approved the revised proposal with provisions of User’s contribution.

Item No.D-10

To consider the proposal received from ED, Coonoor for organizing series of works, seminar and productivity campaigns for the benefit of small growers.

As recommended by the Development Committee, the Board approved the proposal received from ED, Coonoor for organizing series of works seminar and productivity campaigns for the benefit of small growers and sanctioned a sum of Rs.23 lakhs for the purpose.

Item No.D-11

To consider the revised Unit Cost of Replantation as determined by NABARD for adoption under the Special Purpose Tea Fund (SPTF).

The Board noted the position.

Item No.D-12

To consider the inclusion of new clone TRF 4 (released by UPASI TRF) in the Board’s approved list of planting.

As recommended by the Development Committee, the Board accorded approval for the inclusion of new clone TRF 4 (released by UPASI TRF) in the Board’s approved list of planting

Item No. E-1

To ratify the sanction of Rs.4.00 lakhs in connection with Tea Board’s sponsorship of the Indian Tea Forum, Siliguri, 17th to 19th December, 2011.

As recommended by the Tea Promotion Committee, the Board ratified the sanction of Rs.4.00 Lakhs (Rs.Four lakhs only) in connection with Tea Board’s sponsorship of the Indian Tea Forum, Siliguri, 17th to 19th December, 2011.

Item No.E-2 To accord ex-post-facto approval for an expenditure of Rs.6.00 lakhs released in favour of ITA as Promotional Support for conducting “India Tea Festival” in Abu Dhabi during April-May 2011.

The Tea Promotion Committee recommended to the Board to accord ex-post-facto approval for an expenditure of Rs.6.00 lakhs released in favour of ITA as Promotional Support for conducting “India Tea Festival” in Abu Dhabi during April-May 2011.

Item no.E-3

To accord ex-post-facto approval for an expenditure of Rs.4,21,121/- released in favour of UPASI as Promotional Support for conducting “Tea Golden Leaf India Award, Southern Tea Competition (TGLIA:STC)” 2010 held in Dubai during March, 2010.

As recommended by the Tea Promotion Committee, the Board accorded ex-post-facto approval for an expenditure of Rs.4,21,121/- released in favour of UPASI, as Promotional Support for conducting “Tea Golden Leaf India Award, Southern Tea Competition (TGLIA:STC)” 2010 held in Dubai during March, 2010.

Item No.E-4

TPC/Board is requested to ratify the sanction of Rs.9,13,494/- expenditure in connection with purchase of tea for Head Office and New Delhi office for the period October to December, 2011.

As recommended by the Tea Promotion Committee, the Board ratified the sanction of Rs.9,13,494/- spent in connection with purchase of tea for Head Office and New Delhi office for the period October to December, 2011.

Item No.E-5

To accord ex-post-facto approval to the expenditure of Rs.78,38,021/- by way of retainership of M/s. K&S Partners and their associates for providing legal consultancy services to Tea Board on IPR issues.

As recommended by the Tea Promotion Committee, the Board accorded ex-post-facto approval to the expenditure of Rs.78,38,021/- by way of retainership of M/s. K&S Partners and their associates for providing legal consultancy services to Tea Board on IPR issues. Item No.E-6

To approve the proposal for appointment of Management Trainees in the Directorate of Promotion.

As recommended by the Tea Promotion Committee, the Board accorded in principle approval for appointment of Management Trainees in the Directorate of Promotion. The remuneration and other conditions would be worked out by the office in this regard suitably.

Item No.AOB-1

To discuss and decide on various issues raised by Shri P.Viswanathan, Hon’ble Member of Parliament and few other Members of Tea Board.

1. Tea Fatory Upgradation under TQUPDS. Chairman informed that basically it was an administrative issue and all possible

action would be taken. 2. Tea Council for South India Dy. Chairman said that a Panel of Experts was being drawn up and the Tea Council

for the whole country would be set up for implementation of various regulatory orders and issues and also for monitoring quality. It has already been included as a 12th Plan proposal.

3. Cess on Tea: Chairman informed that the issue was not within the ambit of the Board as the Government has to take a decision on the issue.

4. UPASI-KVK-QUP President, UPASI and the Secretary General, UPASI referred to the issue of Scientists

and Field Officers working under the KVK for the small tea growers under the Board’s funded projects. He requested that their services should be utilized by the Board. Member Dr. Ramu also expressed the same view. Chairman informed that the Board would utilize their services as they were doing good work for the small tea growers and there was no reason for concern.

5. Pending Licence of Bought Tea Leaf Factories in South India. Shri Koshy Baby said that powers for issue of Licence could be delegated to the Executive Directors, so that action could be speeded up. Chairman said that the issue would be examined.

6. Indco Tea Factory, Kundah - discussions deferred to next meeting. 7. Service Tax on Ware House.

Chairman said that the Executive Director would meet the concerned officials for solving the issue.

8. SC/ST Project. Chairman said that though the current scheme was limited to SC only, since NAWA

project was a predominantly a Tribal Project the matter would be referred to Government for special sanction.

9. Pruning Scheme: Member Dr. Ramu said that under the earlier pilot project of pruning the small growers

were benefited and quality of green leaf had shown tremendous improvements. The Scheme should be added a regular project under the 12th Plan. The small growers were not able to undertake pruning activities because of the crop loss for atleast 06 (six) months. The subsidy of Rs.20,000/- per ha should be given to them to encourage pruning. Referring the issue of minimum holding of 200 ha. by the SHGs for eligibility, Members Dr.Ramu, Shri D.Sharma and Shri H.Bora said that this stipulation should not be put in. It would be difficult to have SHGs with this area.

DTD informed that the area need not be in a single belt but what was aimed at was the SHGs could have its own factory and even market their teas. Tea Board would be in a position to assist for setting up of such a factory. This would fetch them better price and better remuneration for the green leaf produced by them.

The Board noted the position.

Item No.AOB-2 To approve the proposal towards framing of Tea Board (Recruitment, Promotions and Conditions of Service of Officers appointed by Government) Rules, 2011, for the officers whose grade pay is above Rs.6,600/- in PB-3

Chairman said that a decision was taken at the last meeting of the Board to place the issue afresh in the current meeting. The agenda could not be circulated well on time due to which the members could not get sufficient time to study the same. He said that the members could go through the suggestions and offer their comments. The agenda could be considered at the next meeting of the Board.

Referring to the sentiments of the members, Chairman said that the Secretary, Tea Board would ensure that the agenda notes for the meetings of the Committee/Board are circulated atleast 15 days in advance so that members could conveniently go through the same.

On the issue of training of officers and staff on various skills, Shri Chandrakant said that his organization was handling the training of even I.A.S. officers and offered the Board to organize a training module for the officers and staff of the Board. Chairman welcomed the suggestion and said that the Board would utilize the services.

Item No.AOB-3 To approve the proposal towards framing of Tea Board (Recruitment, Promotions and Conditions of Service of Officers and Staff) Bye-Laws, 2011, for the officers and staff whose grade pay is upto Rs.6,600/- in PB-3

The agenda could also be considered at the next meeting of the Board.

Next meeting of the Board It was decided that the next meeting of the Board would be held in Kolkata during March,

2012.

Dy. Chairman moved the vote of thanks. She thanked the members for attending the meeting despite their busy schedule. She also thanked the Executive Director, Coonoor and officials for arrangements made for the meeting and UPASI for making available their hall for the purpose and support given to the Board for smooth conduct of the meeting.

There being no other item for discussion, the meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the Chair.

Sd/- Sd/- (Kaushik Halder) (M.G.V.K. Bhanu) Secretary Chairman.