Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh today directed administration officials to check formation of transport cartels during the upcoming wheat procurement season.

The orders came during a review by the state cabinet of the arrangements made for procurement of wheat during the Rabi season commencing April 1, 2018.

While directing the deputy commissioners of all districts to ensure that the arrangements are made well in time, the chief minister ordered them to strictly enforce the law against the formation of cartels by transporters.

The transportation and labour policy formulated by the government for procurement purposes should be strictly followed, he said, warning the DCs and SSPs that no laxity or complicity in this regard should be allowed under any circumstances.

The chief minister asked the officials to monitor transportation to and from the markets closely to ensure total compliance with the law and complete ban on cartelization, according to an official spokesperson.

The State Food & Supplies Department should make alternate arrangements for transportation, if necessary, said the chief minister, while asking the department to review all arrangements with the procurement agencies to facilitate smooth and hassle-free procurement, and timely payments to the farmers.  PTI