Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Ram Vilas Paswan, on Thursday assured the Punjab Chief Minister of time-bound resolution of all the pending issues to enable timely release of Cash Credit Limit (CCL) for the ongoing paddy procurement season in the state.
The Union minister assured Amarinder Singh of immediate release of the balance reimbursement of Rs 500 crore towards ID Cess and Purchase stock on Wheat (RMS 2017-18). He also directed the department officials to clear Rs 400 crore of the pending Rs 857 crore subsidy under NFSA for the second quarter and 3rd quarter 2018 within a day or two, while acceding to Amarinder’s request for expeditious release of Rs 435 crore of Custody and Maintenance charge for paddy.
This was disclosed to reporters by the CM after a meeting with the Union Minister to press for expediting resolution of various important pending matters to ensure timely release of CCL.
The CM said they had discussed all pending payments, which Paswan had assured of prompt resolution. Amarinder said he had also raised the issue of smooth movement of stored grains and had urged Paswan to direct FCI to expedite the movement to enable creation of space for fresh arrivals. The CM said he would also be taking up the issue with the Railways Minister and seek more trains to speed up the transportation of food grains.
He disclosed that procurement of 1 lakh quintal of grain had already been done in Punjab this season. The CM told reporters, in response to questions, that his government was hopeful of controlling stubble burning to some extent with the machines or equipment being provided to farmers on subsidised rates.