As paddy procurement ramps up in Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday issued strict directives to all the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) across the State to conduct daily inspections in the grain markets (mandis). The initiative is aimed at ensuring that farmers face no difficulties in selling their produce during the current procurement season.   The Chief Minister, during a virtual meeting with all DCs, emphasized that the rising inflow of paddy in the mandis requires immediate and efficient handling. He stated that it is the governments responsibility to facilitate a smooth and hassle-free procurement process, assuring farmers that their grain will be promptly lifted without unnecessary delays.   Farmers should not experience any inconvenience when bringing their produce to the mandis, Mann stated. He made it clear that any negligence or laxity in the procurement and lifting of paddy would not be tolerated, urging the DCs to actively oversee operations to ensure seamless transactions. He further asked them to personally visit at least seven to eight mandis daily and report directly to him with updates on the ground situation.   The state is set to procure around 185 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of paddy this season, which has been grown over an area of 32 lakh hectares. To support this massive operation, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has already released a Cash Credit Limit (CCL) of Rs 41,378 crore for the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2024-25. Mann emphasized that the governments top priority is the timely procurement and lifting of the grain, ensuring that every farmers harvest is taken care of efficiently.   In addition to procurement, Mann discussed the issue of clearing pending dues with the arhtiyas (commission agents). He reassured them that the State Government is working on resolving the Rs 50 crore pending Employee Provident Fund (EPF) issue and, if needed, will take legal action against the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to safeguard the rights of the commission agents. The Chief Minister assured them that their concerns are being addressed and that the government remains committed to ensuring fair treatment.

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