Dal mill operators in Rajasthan are set to go on a symbolic one-day strike on December 4 in protest against the mandi fee imposed on pulses imported from outside the state.

The Rajasthan State Dal Mill Federation has expressed concerns about the financial difficulties facing local dal mills due to double taxation, which is putting them at a disadvantage compared to mills in other states.

The federation has written a letter to Chief Minister Bhajan lal Sharma, highlighting the financial struggles of about 466 dal processing units in the state, many of which are at risk of closing.

The additional tax is reportedly making it difficult for these mills to compete and repay bank loans, as no other state imposes such a tax.

The committee has requested that pulses imported from outside Rajasthan be exempted from the mandi tax, arguing that the 1.60% tax already levied in the state is sufficient.

They also called for the removal of the Krishi Kalyan Balance tax introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, as its continued imposition is further burdening the industry.

The federation warned that if these issues are not addressed, it could send a negative signal to investors and further harm the local dal mill industry and employment in the sector.