Chandigarh, Sep 20 (IANS) In view of the impending paddy procurement season commencing from October 1, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday reviewed the arrangements aimed at hassle free and seamless procurement of paddy.
"Every grain produced with the sweat and toil of the Punjabi farmer shall be purchased," he said while chairing a meeting.
Emphasising speedy purchase, the Chief Minister directed that purchase, lifting, and payment should commence from the first day of procurement itself and warned of strict action if any farmer is put to any inconvenience.
Presiding over a meeting of officials of procurement agencies, he directed the state procurement agencies and the FCI to be fully geared up for procurement of paddy in the ensuing season.
He expressed satisfaction that the state had already arranged sufficient 'bardana' for the season well in advance and directed its optimal placement across the state in all mandis.
A bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and M.M. Sundresh expressed concern over the ongoing legal battle between Singh and the Maharashtra government, terming it a "messy state of affairs" and also a "very unfortunate situation".
The NCB was keeping a close vigil on the drug smuggling cases in all the election-bound states, during which as many as 14 cases related to the seizure of drugs were reported from Punjab, which went to the polls in a single phase on February 20.
Judge Ambalal R Patel announced a compensation of Rs one lakh for the families of the deceased, Rs 50,000 for the seriously injured and Rs 25,000 for those who suffered minor injuries.
The BJP claimed the Prime Minister hosting the prominent Sikhs will help the party by sending a message to the people of Punjab that he is deeply connected with the community and understands their concerns and issues. Another party leader aware of Punjab politics said that the interaction will help the BJP to dispel the anti-Sikh misconception built around it.
Continuing his attack on Punjab Chief Minister Charanjeet Singh Channi, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar on Friday said that Channi has no knowledge of Bihar. Nitish Kumar claimed that the Congress party gave a chance to a person who has no knowledge of Bihar and Bihari people.
Addressing the media here, he said all the parties were opposing the AAP because it is talking about building good schools and hospitals for the people of Punjab. The AAP is talking about providing good education and medical facilities to the people.