Going strict on checking the illegal influx of paddy from neighbouring states in Mohali district mandis (grain markets), the Deputy Commissioner Girish Dayalan on Monday directed the Mandi Officials to take legal action against the arhtiyas violating Punjab Agriculture Produce Marketing Committees (APMC) Act by selling ‘other State paddy’ in local mandis.
Reviewing the paddy procurement scenario, it was brought into the notice of the Deputy Commissioner that mandis adjoining Haryana border tend to face glut and procurement process is hampered due to unprecedented arrival of paddy from other states via local commission agents.
It was informed that local civil administration makes arrangements for estimated arrivals of produce from villages under its jurisdiction but arrangements tend to fall short due to illegal sale of paddy from neighbouring states in those mandis.
Taking strict note of the transgression, Deputy Commissioner directed the police officials to establish special interstate border check-points so that ‘other State paddy’ may not come in the district. Besides, he issued directions to register FIRs and suspend licenses of errant arhtiyas. The Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) have been directed to maintain constant vigil to ensure compliance. Pertinently, the other state paddy influx is prevalent in Lalru and Dera Bassi. Nakas or check points would be established primarily at Jharmari, Baltana, Barwara, and other points as suggested by local SDMs.