Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal on Tuesday instructed the officials to begin the procurement process in all respects by October 1. He was reviewing a meeting to make arrangements for the procurement.
“The Punjab Government attaches utmost importance to the welfare of the farming sector and is ready to promulgate any measure aimed to ensure the raised standard of living of the people engaged in this sphere,” he said.
Sukhbir said special attention should be made to ensure that the lifting gets going on the first day itself.
At the same time, he made it clear that he would closely monitor the whole process and daily reports regarding the progress in procurement and status update on the lifting should be sent to his office.
Elaborating more, he directed the officials that the list of mandis (grain markets) should be put out in the newspapers detailing the start of procurement process in the mandis.
“Per mandi, three shellers should be allotted and by September 20, all the necessary arrangements ought to be fully completed with the shellers being linked with allotted mandis. Ferozepur and Fazilka should be clubbed together for the execution of procurement process,” he said.
He added, “Deputy Commissioners would be the nodal officers regarding the process in their respective districts.” The requisite staff to ensure smooth conduct of the process must reach the respective mandis a few days before the commencement so as to facilitate every aspect of the process, he added.
The officials present apprised and assured the Deputy Chief Minister that all aspects, including transport, labour and gunny bags have been taken care of.