Opposition Congress members staged walkout in the Chhattisgarh Assembly on Wednesday over statement of Food Minister Punnulal Mohle that no decision had been taken over distribution of paddy bonus to the farmers for the Kharif season 2014-15. The issue was raised by leader of Opposition TS Singhdeo during the question hour who had demanded to know from the Food Minister regarding distribution of Rs300 paddy bonus to the farmers.
Singhdeo had also raised the issue of paddy procurement in the House while asking the Food Minister about the target set for paddy procurement for the year 2014-15 and how much paddy has been purchased against the target. Mohle informed that the State government has set no target for paddy procurement. The societies have purchased 63.08 lakh tonne of paddy at support price this year.
He further informed that the Minimum Support Price for common paddy is Rs1360 per quintal and for Grade-A paddy it is Rs1400 per quintal. The Minister said that no bonus will be paid to the farmers for paddy in the present Kharif year. The Minister also said that a maximum limit of 15 quintal per acre was set for paddy purchase from the farmer. The limit was set on the basis of average paddy production in the State.
Singhdeo once again asked if any target was set for paddy procurement as a circular was issued by MARKFED in Surguja district with a target of 1 lakh tonne. He asked whether the Department is correct or the Minister. Mohle replied that he has no idea about the Department’s circular but he knows that no target is set for paddy procurement and it is an estimate. Singhdeo asked about bonus on paddy purchase and the rate at which it is given. Mohle said that no decision was taken regarding bonus distribution. He said that it was earlier stated that a bonus of Rs300 will be offered and now the Minister denies any decision in this regard.
Congress member Bhupesh Baghel said that Chief Minister had said in his speech that a bonus of Rs300 will be given to the farmers. Soon all Congress members joined and raised slogans demanding bonus for farmers. Speaker Gaurishankar Agrawal asked the Congress members to maintain silence but they continued with the slogans and staged a walkout.