Punjab allows farmers to ferry paddy by tractor-trolley

To ensure smooth and hassle-free procurement of crops, the Punjab Government today decided in principal to allow farmers to transport paddy from grain markets to godowns by their own tractor trolleys.
This was announced by Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal during a video conference with deputy commissioners to review paddy procurement process, an official release said.
The meet also stressed upon proper implementation social security schemes, including Atta-Dal and pensions schemes.
This exercise has been put in place to lift the purchased paddy quickly and ease congestion in the grain markets (mandis) during Kharif season, he said.
Badal said that the farmers would be paid for the transportation as per the charges fixed by Food Corporation of India (FCI) for commercial vehicles, Badal said.

He asked the DC's to promulgate necessary orders under section 144 ensuring complete ban on paddy harvesting by the combines from 7 PM to 7 AM in their respective districts.

Badal said the violation of these orders would result in confiscation of harvester combines for the entire paddy season.
He also directed the FCI, including state procurement agencies to ensure timely purchase, swift lifting and proper storage of paddy in an efficient and hassle free manner.
Reviewing the social security schemes, Deputy CM instructed the DCs to send teams to personally visit villages.
He asked the officials to get certification from Gram Panchayats by October 1 about the veracity of beneficiaries of Atta-Dal and pension schemes.

Besides, the Deputy CM has also sought a detailed report from the teams regarding status of rural water supply schemes as well as total number of connections provided to the habitants.
Chief Secretary Sarvesh Kaushal asked the DCs to be proactive for proper implementation of various social welfare schemes in the state. He sought the status regarding disbursal of various pensions through the banks and advised the officers to ease the hardships if any being faced by the beneficiaries in the field.