Chandigarh, March 26:

Haryana Government has procured 5924235 tonnes of paddy during Kharif 2017-18 as compared to 5347848 tonnes of paddy procured during last Kharif season.

This was informed by Additional Chief Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, Mr. Ram Niwas while addressing a press conference here today. He said that out of the total procured rice, 39,69,237 tonnes would be delivered to FCI and till date 34,61,646 tonnes rice have already been given to FCI as compared to 3099016 tonnes rice given to FCI during the same period last year.

He said that proper coordination was maintained with the rice millers to ensure timely supply of rice. Steps are being taken for physical verification by Deputy Commissioners and necessary action as per the contract is being initiated against the millers not adhering the terms and conditions.

He said that a case has been registered against Rice millers Ms. For Fresh Rice mill, Tarawadi mandi of Karnal under various section against nine persons, the owner as well as the guarantors, for not following the terms and conditions. The Government has started registering cases against all defaulting rice millers who have not returned the rice of the departments in the year 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2016-17. As many as 13 such rice millers belonged to Karnal and three from Kurukshetra. This would not only de-motivate the defaulters but it would also send a clear message to others that no one would be spared for not returning the government rice. Besides this, disciplinary action against responsible officers and officials is being taken under rule 7 including District Food and Supply Controllers, District Food and Supply officers and Inspectors concerned.

He said that a review meeting was held by the Chief Minister recently with all the Procurement Agencies, Presidents and representatives of Rice Millers Associations wherein strict directions were issued to ensure timely delivery of rice to FCI by March 31, 2018. On their request, they have been directed to deliver maximum rice to FCI by April 10, 2018, before the onset of procurement of Rabi crop. The Managing Director, FCI, Haryana assured for providing sufficient space as per capacity.