After the opposition’s uproar in the Assembly over paddy procurement, Food Supply Minister Krushna Chandra Patra has said that the government is on full alert to stop Katni-Chhatni.
He said that the government has already purchased 60 lakh metric tonnes of paddy. By February 15, the government has purchased 2 lakh metric tonnes more than last year. The government has set a target to purchase 77 lakh metric tonnes of paddy. Paddy procurement will continue till March 31. About 12 lakh farmers have already received input subsidy. Farmers are getting payment within 48 hours of selling the paddy.
“Katni-Chhatni in the paddy procurement is decreasing. The Supply Department is taking immediate action against the places where complaints are received about Katni-Chhatni. The government has sealed many mills and issued show-cause notices. The officers involved in the irregularities have also been suspended”, said the Minister.
