Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today gaveapproval to establish Community Centres in all the Mandis across the state.A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister with a delegation of Aarhtias Association Punjab led by its President and vice-Chairman Punjab Mandi Board Mr.Ravinder Singh Cheema here at former’s official residence this evening.Mr.Badal asked the Secretary Mandi Board to prepare a comprehensive plan for these community centres, for which the land would be provided by the Board itself and the entire expenditure on its construction would be borne by the Aarhtias’ Association. Mr.Badal said that these centres would be utilized to hold seminars, conferences and exhibitions to educate farmers about the recent advancements in agriculture and emerging practices of procurement and marketing. The Chief Minister said that these community centres would be run by the concerned society and the Secretary Mandi Board would be its overall incharge.
Likewise, the Chief Minister also gave nod to construct the AaramGhars (Rest Houses) for labour working in the mandis for which Mandi Board and Aarhtiaswould contribute Rs. Five lac each for the construction of these rest houses in the mandis.Responding to another issue to enhance the non-construction period for shops allotted in mandis, the Chief Minister announced to extend this period from two years to now five years but however the existing penality clause of 10% remains unchanged.The Chief Minister also agreed to slash the fee for additional construction in basement and court yard of the shops in mandis, from prevalent 10% to 6% for three months from the issuance of notification.
Mr.Badal also directed the PSPCL to install transformers in mandis especially during the procurement season to ensure smooth hassle free procurement.Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Additional Chief Secretary Development Mr. NS Kalsi, Principal Secretary to CM Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary to CM Mr.Gaggandip Singh Brar, General Manager FCI North Region Mr. Kumar Rahul, MD MilkfedMr.Manjit Singh Brar, MD PungrainMr. SS Johal, MD Punjab State Warehousing Corporation Mr. AS Bains and its AMD HS Brar, Director Food & Civil Supply Mr.Shivdular Singh Dhillon andAdditional MD MarkfedMr. Sandeep Hans.