The Union Government has lauded the efforts of Punjab government in further improving

Chandigarh : The Union Government has lauded the efforts of Punjab government in further improving the procurement system in the State and strengthening the nation’s food security. Union Minister for Consumer Affairs & Public Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan, in a DO letter to Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, 

has conveyed the appreciation of Union Government and acknowledged the recent steps taken by the state government for bringing transparency in the procurement process especially during Rabi Marketing Season.Paswan also assured the Chief Minister that he was getting issues raised by Punjab examined by his Ministry and by the Food Corporation of India.

 The issues related to relaxation from mandatory moisture gain realized on the storage of wheat stored for the purpose of National Food Security Act, cost of gunny bags and interest charge payable by Union government. It may be noted that the Capt. Amarinder led government, fulfilling a key promise made in the election manifesto, abolished illegal truck cartels.

As part of the rationalisation process during Rabi Marketing Season, the government also capped the maximum premium over basic transportation rate at 120% to prevent unwarranted expenditure leading to saving of over Rs. 175 crores.

Further, the state cabinet recently approved a decision for Kharif Marketing Season to seek Bank guarantee from Rice Sheller to safeguard the interests of the government. In addition, the state government has decided to monitor the CIBIL score of the miller to gauge the financial health before allotment.

Significantly, the state agencies and FCI procured record 126.9 lakh metric tonnes of wheat this year against 116  lakh metric tonnes procured last year. The state government is all geared up to procure over 200 lakh metric tonnes of paddy this year against 176.6  lakh metric tonnes procured last season.