Punjab CM to Meet Union Minister on Rice Protests

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is set to meet Union Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on October 14 to discuss pressing issues raised by protesting rice millers and commission agents ('arthiyas'). The millers are seeking better storage solutions for the new paddy crop and a review of commission rates, while Mann assures that the government is committed to procuring every grain of paddy from the mandis. So far, 4.3 lakh metric tonnes of paddy have been procured, with Rs 573.55 crore disbursed to farmers. Amidst these challenges, the Bharti Kisan Union (Ugrahan) plans to protest on rail tracks in Punjab, expressing dissatisfaction over the slow procurement process. Mann is closely monitoring the situation to prevent further farmer inconvenience and has instructed officials to expedite procurement efforts. This collaboration highlights the urgent need for coordinated action to address the logistical challenges in Punjab's grain markets.