Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Tuesday said that he had requested the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to consider increasing the accepted moisture level for paddy procurement in view of the impact of the recent heavy rains on the crop.
Capt Amarinder, interacting with media persons after inaugurating the Mahatma Gandhi Sarbat Vikas Yojna (MGSVY) mega camp, reaffirmed his personal commitment to the welfare of the farming community saying that the farm loan waiver scheme initiated by his government would be completed by this year-end.
Responding to a query, Capt Amarinder expressed full confidence in the ability of the special investigation team (SIT) formed to investigate the sacrilege cases saying that SIT was an independent body and would submit its report in due time.
The State Government had no mandate to direct SIT in this regard, he added.
On attempts being made by radical elements to foment trouble in Punjab, Capt Amarinder categorically said that nobody would be allowed to vitiate the hard-earned peace of Punjab.
Trashing the alleged attempts by a minuscule of people outside India, who had no base and support in Punjab, he said that anybody trying to play with the emotions of Punjabis for their ulterior motives would be severely dealt with.
Referring to reports of donations being received by some political parties from abroad to destabilise Punjab, he said that the State Government was already investigating these charges and looking into the source of funding, with the Income Tax Department also being kept in the loop.