Chhattisgarh CM Baghel questions why Centre reduced rice procurement

Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], September 11 : Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel hit out at the central government over the rice procurement issue and questioned the government's motives behind this reduction.
Speaking to media persons in Raipur on Monday, Baghel said, “We do not know what enmity the central government has with the Chhattisgarh government. It is beyond understanding that with what malicious intentions, the central government has decided to procure 61 metric tons of rice as compared to 86 metric tons and made use of biometrics mandatory in the process.”
He expressed his concerns, highlighting the mandatory biometric process during procurement. He said that the government has made biometrics mandatory during the procurement process by terming the procurement process of Uttar Pradesh as the best in the country. It is tough to understand who is procuring and who is selling paddy in Uttar Pradesh while in Chhattisgarh, the arrangement for procurement of paddy is best and farmers here have their Aadhaar card linked for the smooth execution of the procurement process.
CM Baghel pointed out that last year, Chhattisgarh successfully procured 107 metric tons of paddy without facing transport or gunny bag shortages.
He further elaborated that we have written a letter to the central government and detailed about the geographical challenge to arise in making use of biometrics mandatory due to network in remote and forested patches. The farmers will have to face serious problems after biometrics would be made mandatory in the procurement process. Therefore, the arrangement should not be made mandatory.
The central government has threatened to not procure the rice of Chhattisgarh if biometrics will not be made mandatory, alleged the CM.
Baghel also recalled the procurement policies during the previous regime, noting changes since the shift in government.
He said, “During Raman Singh's regime, the government had carried out procurement of paddy in a significant way because Manmohan Singh was the Prime Minister at that time. After double-engine government came to power, first the bonus was stopped and then procurement was capped to 10 quintals.”
Last year, the Chhattisgarh Government had procured 107 lakh ton paddy and set a target of 125 tons for this year, said the CM.
CM Baghel concluded by stating that the public in Chhattisgarh knows very well who works in their interest and perceives the BJP as an anti-farmer party.