Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Friday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi to assure him of early resolution of the Paddy procurement in wake of Centre’s decision for its postponement till October 10.
Charanjit Singh Channi called on the Prime Minister at the latter's official residence in New Delhi this evening and termed his maiden visit after assuming the charge as Chief Minister as a courtesy call. He said it was the duty of any Chief Minister when he takes over to call on the Prime Minister and informed that the overall outcome of the meeting was quite positive as it was held in a congenial atmosphere.
Charanjit Singh Channi urged PM to immediately resolve farm crises through resumption of talks with the farmers. He even requested PM to reopen the Kartarpur corridor as the covid situation improved.
Talking to the media persons immediately after meeting the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister said that he had apprised Modi about the preparedness of paddy procurement across the state, which was to commence from October 1 and now has been delayed due to the directive of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Gol. Channi further said that the Prime Minister informed him that he (PM) would soon get this issue addressed in consultation with the Ministry of Food on the top priority.
Referring to the Kartarpur corridor which was closed due to a surge in Covid-19 cases during the past several months, Charanjit Singh Channi asked the Prime Minister to immediately reopen the corridor as there is no considerable improvement in the covid situation. He said this step would go a long way to enable the devotees to pay their obeisance at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur.
The Chief Minister also impressed Modi to immediately find a permanent solution to the farmers’ demands on priority as it has led to the overall economic slowdown in the state which is predominantly an agrarian economy. He emphasized the need to resume the process of dialogue with the farmers immediately to repeal these farm laws and therefore sought the Prime Minister’s intervention in this regard.
Seeking the Centre’s wholehearted support and cooperation to encourage organic farming, the Chief Minister also impressed upon Modi to help the state in promoting this eco-friendly farming in a big way to boost its economy.
