The North News
Chandigarh, October 24
Bhagwant Mann has urged the Government of India to relax uniform specifications for paddy procurement after severe floods damaged crops across Punjab. The Chief Minister made the appeal during an inspection of procurement operations in Bassi Pathana and Morinda on Thursday. He said that many farmers have faced extensive losses, with increased moisture content and discolouration of grains. “We have already requested the Union government to help our farmers. The damage is widespread due to the unprecedented floods,” he said.
Despite the setbacks, Punjab expects to contribute 170 lakh metric tonnes of paddy to the national pool this season. The state has set up 1,822 regular purchase centres, and officials reported that 63.49 lakh metric tonnes of paddy had already arrived in mandis, with 61.01 lakh MT purchased. Payments of ₹13,073 crore have been made to farmers, and nearly 92% of the crop lifted within 72 hours of procurement.
Mann accused the Centre of delaying ₹1,600 crore in flood relief funds announced by the Prime Minister. “Punjab, the food bowl and sword arm of the nation, should not face step-motherly treatment,” he said.
He also outlined the state government’s initiatives in health, education, power, and infrastructure. According to Mann, 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics have been opened, benefiting over 1.75 crore people. He said 90% of households receive zero electricity bills and highlighted educational achievements, including government school students qualifying for national entrance exams.
The Chief Minister announced plans to invite Droupadi Murmu to events commemorating the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. The celebrations, centred at Anandpur Sahib, will promote ideals of secularism, humanism, and sacrifice.
