Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, in a remarkable display of resilience and dedication, transitioned into action mode just hours after being discharged from Fortis Hospital, Mohali, on Sunday. Having been diagnosed with a bacterial infection, leptospirosis, during a routine check-up, Mann’s swift recovery has highlighted his unwavering commitment to the people of Punjab. Following a thorough evaluation by medical staff, he was discharged on Sunday afternoon, marking his return to governance with remarkable promptness.
Wasting no time, Mann convened a crucial meeting at his official residence to strategize the paddy procurement process, a matter of utmost importance for the farmers of Punjab, while convening another meeting regarding stubble burning on Monday.
With the harvesting season approaching, he underscored the need for seamless coordination among district collectors to ensure that all necessary preparations were in place across grain markets. His proactive approach was further reflected in a social media post, where he assured that both farmers and traders would receive the support they need, including timely payments for their harvested crops.
The Chief Minister also placed emphasis on another pressing issue — stubble burning. With cases of farmers burning their paddy residue escalating, Mann has scheduled another high-level meeting to tackle this environmental challenge on Monday afternoon. The government’s concern is to curb pollution caused by stubble burning while ensuring farmers are provided with sustainable alternatives.
Prior to his hospital discharge, Cabinet Ministers Harpal Singh Cheema, Harjot Singh Bains, and Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, besides Congress MLA Pargat Singh visited Mann, conveying their well wishes. The health bulletin issued by Fortis Hospital confirmed that all parameters of the Chief Minister had returned to normal, thanks to prompt medical treatment.
The Chief Minister’s recent health scare began past week following a trip to Delhi, where he experienced health issues upon returning to Chandigarh. Hospital reports indicated inflammation in a pulmonary artery, leading to fluctuating blood pressure. However, after two days of treatment and observation, he showed significant improvement, prompting his discharge.
While hospitalized, Mann remained engaged with state affairs, addressing concerns from the protesting students at Patiala Rajiv Gandhi National Law University via phone, assuring them of government support.
Punjab Ready for Kharif Marketing Season with 185 LMT Paddy Target: CM
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday announced that the state is fully prepared for the upcoming Kharif Marketing Season (KMS), set to begin on October 1. During a high-level meeting to review the paddy procurement process, the Chief Minister revealed that the state expects to procure 185 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of paddy from farmers across 32 lakh hectares under cultivation.
Mann confirmed that the Reserve Bank of India has released a Cash Credit Limit (CCL) of Rs 41,378 crores for KMS 2024-25, ensuring a smooth procurement process.
The Government of India has set a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 2,320 per quintal for Grade 'A' paddy this season. State procurement agencies, including Pungrain, Markfed, Punsup, and PSWC, in collaboration with the Food Corporation of India (FCI), will facilitate the procurement process. “We are committed to a seamless and hassle-free procurement experience for farmers, ensuring their paddy is purchased as per government specifications,” said Mann.
He highlighted that the Government has developed a mechanism to guarantee immediate payment to farmers directly into their bank accounts. “Farmers will receive on-the-spot payment for their produce, preventing any delays or inconveniences,” Mann assured. With the elaborate preparations in place, the government aims to lift every grain promptly, alleviating concerns of grain stockpiling in mandis.
Chief Minister Mann also emphasized the need for efficiency in the procurement process, instructing Deputy Commissioners to ensure smooth operations in their districts. “Any negligence in handling the procurement process is unacceptable. Officers must ensure that paddy is purchased and lifted swiftly to avoid any hindrance to farmers,” he warned. The Deputy Commissioners were directed to visit seven to eight mandis daily to oversee the ground-level operations and report back for regular monitoring.
In a notable decision, Mann offered a significant incentive to rice millers. The first 750 millers who apply for allotment of custom milling for KMS 2024-25 will receive 25 percent more paddy than their standard entitlement, providing much-needed relief to the milling sector.
Cheema Dismisses Rumours of Leadership Change Amid Mann's Hospitalization
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Sunday firmly addressed the swirling rumours about a potential leadership change in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led Punjab Government following Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s recent hospitalization. Mann spent three days at Fortis Hospital, leading to speculation that he might be replaced by Cheema or Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan.
After visiting Mann at the hospital, Cheema reassured the public of the Chief Minister's recovery, stating, “He is absolutely fit now.” He emphasized that even during his hospitalization, Mann remained dedicated to his duties, signing crucial files.
Labeling the rumours as “baseless”, Cheema attributed them to the Opposition attempts to destabilize AAP's leadership. “There is no truth to these rumours. Bhagwant Mann will continue to serve as the Chief Minister of Punjab,” he affirmed.
