Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to Meet Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Rice Millers' Concerns

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann plans to meet Union Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on October 14. The meeting aims to discuss the concerns of rice millers and commission agents, known as arthiyas, who are currently protesting. Mann believes their demands are valid and requires the Union government's attention. He communicated with Joshi over the phone to highlight the urgency of the situation and requested a detailed discussion.

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During a recent meeting, Mann reviewed the ongoing paddy procurement process. He emphasised that the state government is dedicated to ensuring every grain of paddy is purchased and transported from mandis. Currently, 4.30 lakh metric tonnes of paddy have been received in grain markets, with Rs 573.55 crore already paid to farmers.

Protests and Demands

The rice millers are concerned about limited storage space for the new paddy crop. They urge the Centre to clear existing wheat and paddy stocks to make room. Meanwhile, arthiyas are demanding an increase in their commission rates. Mann intends to address these issues with Joshi during their meeting in the national capital.

Mann is closely monitoring the procurement process to prevent any inconvenience for farmers. He has instructed officials to ensure that all paddy is procured and lifted efficiently. The chief minister's commitment reflects his dedication to supporting farmers during this crucial period.

Upcoming Protests

In response to slow paddy procurement, Bharti Kisan Union Ugrahan announced a protest on rail tracks in Punjab on Sunday from 12 pm to 3 pm. Sukhdev Singh Kokrikalan, general secretary of BKU Ugrahan, confirmed this plan. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha also declared a statewide road blockade in Punjab during the same hours on Sunday.

The protests have gained support from rice millers and arthiyas, who share similar grievances regarding procurement delays. These demonstrations highlight the growing frustration among stakeholders affected by the current situation.

Mann's proactive approach aims to address these concerns by engaging with Union Minister Joshi. By advocating for rice millers and arthiyas, he hopes to find solutions that will alleviate their challenges and improve the overall procurement process.