Punjab Finance Department on Friday released the pending arrears, amounting to Rs 151.45 crore to the arhtiyas (commission agents). The amount, released on the directions of the CM Capt Amarinder Singh — was paid out of the state exchequer as the Food Corporation of India (FCI) has withheld the amount.
“The FCI was supposed to pay the arrears to about 5,000 arhtiyas but due to delay on its part, the Punjab Government released the same from the state exchequer to ensure smooth and hassle free wheat procurement during ongoing Rabi Marketing Season,” said a spokesperson of the Chief Minister Office.
It may be recalled that before the commencement of wheat procurement, the arhtiyas had requested the Chief Minister to settle their arrears immediately on which Capt Amarinder had directed the Finance Department to release the due payment without waiting for the payment by FCI.
Subsequently, the Food and Civil Supplies Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu pursued the matter and settled the arrears of arhtiyas.
It is further pointed out that the Finance Department has released an amount of Rs 151.45 crore on the condition that the Food and Civil Supplies Department would ensure crediting the amount back to the state exchequer whenever it is returned by FCI
Notably, around 5,000 arhtiyas did not comply with the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) during the Kharif Marketing Season 2019-20. Resultantly, the commission of arhtiyas to the extent of Rs 151.45 crore has been withheld by the FCI.
The Chief Minister had assured the president of Federation of Arthiyas Association of Punjab Vijay Kalra that the State Government would always stand by them.