“The Punjab Government attaches utmost importance to the welfare of the farming sector and is ready to promulgate any measure aimed to ensure the raised standard of living of the people engaged in this sphere.”Disclosing this in a meeting here today to review the arrangements regarding paddy procurement process, the Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab, S. Sukhbir Singh Badal instructed the officials present that the procurement process must in all respects begin by 1st October, 2016. He also said that special attention should be made to ensure that the lifting gets going on the first day itself. He also made it clear that he would closely monitor the whole process and daily reports regarding the progress in procurement and status update on the lifting should be sent to his office.Elaborating more, he directed the officials that the list of mandis (Grain Markets) should be put out in the newspapers detailing the start of procurement process in the mandis. Giving more details, he said that per Mandi 3 shellers should be allotted and by the 20th September all the necessary arrangements ought to be fully completed with the shellers being linked with allotted mandis. He also said that Ferozepur and Fazilka should be clubbed together for the execution of procurement process.
The Deputy Chief Minister also said that the Deputy Commissioners would be the nodal officers regarding the process in their respective districts. Divulging further, he said that the requisite staff to ensure smooth conduct of the process must reach the respective mandis a few days before the commencement so as to facilitate every aspect of the process.The officials present apprised and assured the Deputy Chief Minister that all aspects including transport, labour and gunny bags have been taken care of.Among others present on the occasion were Principal Secretary to the Deputy Chief Minister---P.S. Aujla, Special Principal Secretaries to the Deputy Chief Minister—Rahul Tewari and Manvesh Singh Sidhu, Secretary Irrigation Kahan Singh Pannu, Secretary Mandi Board Tejinder Pal Singh Sidhu, Director Food and Civil Supplies Shivdular Singh Dhillon and General Manager FCI Kumar Rahul.