The owners of 1,600 rice mills in Chhattisgarh have given up the cooking gas subsidy on an appeal made by Chief Minister Raman Singh, it was informed in the annual State-level conference of rice millers here.
Chief Minister Raman Singh on Tuesday said that the Public Distribution System (PDS) had brought glory to Chhattisgarh. The Chief Minister was addressing the annual State-level conference of rice millers.
The Supreme Court asked all the other States to emulate this PDS system. The rice millers had contributed a lot in the success of the PDS. The millers should provide quality rice at all times and share the social responsibility. Substandard quality of food material will never be accepted, he said. The Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Minister Punnulal Mohle presided over the function.
Chief Minister Raman Singh who was the chief guest said that rice mill industry is of crucial importance for providing employment to youth in comparison to other industries. There are more employment opportunities in the industry with less investment.
About 400 youth are employed in a rice mill. There is a rapid expansion of rice mills industry after the formation of Chhattisgarh. There is high quality after the growth of rice mills. There were 700 rice mills at the time of formation of Chhattisgarh and now 1, 600 rice mills are in operation.
The scenario of agriculture progress can be witnessed in rice mills. Agriculture is the backbone of the State’s economy. The prosperity of the State is dependent on the prosperity of farmer. The State bagged ‘Krishi Karman’ award due to the hard working farmers who produce record rice. The State had bagged ‘krishi Karman’ award this year for record pulses’ production, he said. The Chief Minister assured the rice millers that their grievances will be dealt with sympathetically. Mohle said to avoid broken rice problem top quality rice mills should be established in the State.
He said 59 lakh metric tonnes of paddy had been produced this year in the State. Chhattisgarh Rice Millers’ Association President Yogesh Agrawal while welcoming the gathering gave a list of grievances and demands to the CM.
A large number of rice millers from all the districts were present at the function.