Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Amarinder Singh on Tuesday said he had requested Food Corporation of India (FCI) to consider increasing the accepted moisture level for paddy procurement in view of the impact of the recent heavy rains on the crop.
He was interacting with mediapersons after inaugurating the Mahatma Gandhi Sarbat Vikas Yojna (MGSVY) mega camp at SAS Nagar (Mohali).
The CM also reaffirmed his personal commitment to the welfare of the farming community and said the farm loan waiver scheme initiated by his government would be completed by this year-end.
Responding to a query, Amarinder expressed full confidence in the ability of Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to investigate in the sacrilege cases and said the SIT was an independent body and would submit its report in due time.
The state government had no mandate to direct SIT in this regard, the Chief Minister added.
Replying to a question on attempts being made by radical elements to foment trouble in Punjab, Amarinder categorically said that nobody would be allowed to vitiate the hardearned peace of Punjab.
Trashing the alleged attempts by a minuscule of people outside India, who had no base and support in Punjab, he said anybody trying to play with the emotions of Punjabis for their ulterior motives would be severely dealt with.
Referring to reports of donations being received by some political parties from abroad to destabilise Punjab, he said the state government was already investigating these charges and looking into the source of funding, with the Income Tax department also being kept in the loop.