Punjab CM Urges Central Government for Release of Rural Development Funds
CM Mann meets Union minister, seeks release of pending rural development funds
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met Union Minister Pralhad Joshi in New Delhi to address urgent issues affecting the state, including the release of ₹9,000 crore in pending rural development funds and the need for special trains to transport 155 lakh metric tonnes of food grains. Mann emphasized the critical storage crisis in Punjab ahead of the rabi marketing season.
- 01Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann met Union Minister Pralhad Joshi to discuss pressing issues.
- 02Mann requested the release of ₹9,000 crore in pending rural development funds.
- 03The Centre agreed to facilitate special trains for transporting 155 lakh metric tonnes of food grains.
- 04Punjab faces a severe storage crisis with only 0.50 LMT space available for rice.
- 05Mann highlighted the need for enhanced distribution of food grains under the PMGKAY scheme.
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Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi in New Delhi to seek solutions for several pressing issues affecting the state. Among the key points discussed was the release of ₹9,000 crore in pending funds under the rural development fund (RDF). Mann emphasized the urgent need to address higher cash credit interest rates and compensation for crops damaged by hailstorms. He also raised concerns about the storage crisis in Punjab, where 180.88 lakh metric tonnes of food grains are currently stored, exceeding the state's total storage capacity of approximately 183 lakh metric tonnes. Mann pointed out that only 0.50 LMT of covered space is available for rice and 1.75 LMT for wheat, leading to significant challenges in maintaining food grain quality. To alleviate the situation, he proposed moving at least 12 lakh metric tonnes of wheat and rice each month or enhancing distribution through the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), especially in light of ongoing hardships due to the conflict in West Asia. Mann also noted that procurement funds are managed by a consortium of banks led by the State Bank of India, as authorized by the Reserve Bank of India.
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The resolution of these issues could significantly improve the agricultural sector in Punjab, ensuring timely procurement and better storage conditions for farmers.
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