Section 7. Fixation of price by state government

(1) The State Government shall, having regard to the following among other factors, fix the price at which tendu leaves shall be purchased by or for 1[* * *] in each unit of the division during the year namely- (a) the price of tendu leaves, if any, fixed under this Act during the preceding three years in respect of the unit; (b) the quality of the leaves grown in the unit; (c) the transport facilities available in the unit;' (d) the cost of transport; and (e) the general rate of wages for unskilled labour prevalent in the unit. (2) The price so fixed shall be published 2[* * *] in such manner as the State Government may direct, 3[and shall not be reduced] during the year to which it relates. (3) Where an Advisory Committee has been constituted under Section 6 before the fixation of price under sub-section (1), the Advisory Committee shall, wherever practicable, be consulted by the State Government before such fixation.