Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has ordered strict enforcement against transport cartelization during the upcoming wheat procurement season.The orders came during a review by the state cabinet of the arrangements made for procurement of wheat during the Rabi season commencing April 1, 2018.While directing the Deputy Commissions of all districts to ensure that arrangements for procurement are completed well in time, the Chief Minister ordered them to strictly enforce the law against the formation of cartels by transporters.The transportation and labour policy formulated by the government for procurement purposes should be strictly followed, he said, warning the DCs and SSPs that no laxity or complicity in this regard should be allowed under any circumstances.The Chief Minister asked the officials to monitor the transportation to and from the Mandis closely in order to ensure total compliance with the law and complete ban on cartelization, according to an official spokesperson.
The State Food & Supplies Department should make alternate arrangements for transportation, if necessary, said the Chief Minister, while asking the department to review all arrangements with the procurement agencies to facilitate smooth and hassle-free procurement, and timely payments to the farmers.The government, he said, was committed to once again ensure that every grain of the crop is picked up, in a timely and seamless manner, from the Mandis, and that the payments are released on time.The Cabinet, which approved the procurement policy for the season, was apprised of all preparatory arrangements for the season, including CCL and contracts for transportation and lifting, during the meeting, said the spokesperson.