Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channion Friday said the Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi has assured him of earlyresolution of the Paddy procurement in wake of Centre’s decision for itspostponement till October 10.
Mr. Channi called on the Prime Minister atthe latter's official residence in New Delhi this evening and termed his maidenvisit after assuming the charge as Chief Minister as a courtesy call. He saidit was the duty of any Chief Minister when he takes over to call on the PrimeMinister and informed that the overall outcome of the meeting was quitepositive as it was held in a congenial atmosphere.
Talking to the media persons immediatelyafter meeting the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister said that he had apprisedModi about the preparedness of paddy procurement across the state, which was tocommence from October 1 and now has been delayed due to the directive ofMinistry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, GoI. Mr. Channifurther said that the Prime Minister informed him that he (PM) would soon getthis issue addressed in consultation with the Ministry of Food on the toppriority.
Referring to the Kartarpur corridor which wasclosed in due to surge in Covid-19 cases during past several months, Mr. Channiasked the Prime Minister to immediately reopen the corridor as there is nowconsiderable improvement in the covid situation. He said this step would go along way to enable the devotees to pay their obeisance at Gurdwara Darbar Sahibin Kartarpur.
The Chief Minister also impressed upon Mr.Modi to immediately find a permanent solution to the farmers’ demands onpriority as it has led to overall economic slowdown in the state which ispredominantly an agrarian economy. He emphasized the need to resume the processof dialogue with the farmers immediately to repeal these farm laws andtherefore sought Prime Minister’s personal intervention in this regard.
Seeking Centre’s wholehearted support and cooperationto encourage organic farming, the Chief Minister also impressed upon Mr. Modito help the state in promoting this eco-friendly farming in a big way to boostits economy.