Congress State President Bhupesh Baghel has alleged that the ruling BJP Government in the State does not intend to purchase paddy from the farmers and therefore making the process complicated with a number of formalities and conditions.
In a statement issued here on Tuesday, Baghel said that the State Government is conspiring against the farmers by putting conditions in the paddy procurement process.
The mobile number made mandatory in registration process besides demand of a post-paid mobile bill is creating problems for the farmers. In addition to this the farmers are being asked to give a date on which they will sell the paddy. “When the paddy crops are yet not ready for harvest, how the farmers can give a date for its sale," he questioned.
All the rules and conditions in the paddy procurement process are just to avoid maximum farmers from selling their paddy at minimum support price.
The BJP government has increased the minimum support price (MSP) of paddy to Rs2100 per quintal and a bonus of Rs300 but not it is hesitating from paddy procurement, said Baghel.
In addition to this, the farmers who have met the requirements are being harassed by pointing out errors in the registration form. Bribe is being demanded from the farmers for registration, alleged Baghel.
The farmers are forced to leave their crops and repeatedly visit the offices of the societies for registration, he said, while demanding from the government to stop harassment of the farmers in the name of formalities for registration.
The mandatory condition of mobile phone should be removed from the registration process. The rules and regulations are made for convenience of people. Congress will oppose all such rules and regulations which are made to harass people, added Baghel.