Dispelling the apprehensions of arthiyas, the Chief Secretary Karan Avtar Singh on Thursday assured them that prevalent system of payments would continue during the ongoing Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) and timely payments to farmers for their produce would be made through arthiyas.Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Punjab Government stated that the Chief Secretary also directed the Food Department to ensure that payments to farmers were strictly made within 24 hours of purchase of their produce. He also directed the Additional Chief Secretary (Development) to ensure J-forms were duly filled to maintain absolute transparency and efficiency in the procurement operations.Responding to another issue raised by Arthiya Association, the Chief Secretary assured them of timely payment of dami and labour and directed the department to ensure the same.Taking stock of arrival of wheat in the mandis in the ongoing Rabi Season, the Chief Secretary asked the arthiyas to ensure fool-proof arrangements for smooth and hassle free procurement and lifting of produce. The Arthiyas assured the government of full cooperation in this regard.The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary (Development) Viswajeet Khanna, Principal Secretary Food & Civil Supplies KAP Sinha, Director Food & Supplies Anindita Mitra and Secretary Mandi Board Kamaldeep Singh Sangha.The Punjab Arthiya Association was represented by its President Vijay Kalra, Senior Vice President Amarjit Singh Brar, Vice President Sadhu Ram, Secretary Sukhwinder Sukhi besides several other members.