Chandigarh: The government purchase of paddy is going to start from October 1st i.e. today in grain markets across Punjab. The government procurement of paddy in Punjab will start from today, but a day before the procurement, the government failed to convince the arhtiyas. The Arhtiyas Association is sticking to its decision to go on strike on Tuesday. Apart from this, sheller owners are also sticking to their decision of not lifting paddy. Amid strike of Arhtiyas and sheller owners, the procurement of paddy will take a major hit.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has called a meeting with the Aartis at 11 am to find a solution to this problem. Amandeep Singh, the leader of the Federation of Aartis Association Punjab, said that the Punjab government has invited him for a meeting.
Their 10-member delegation will participate in this meeting. The Deputy Commissioner also came to Amritsar Mandi on Monday but he has made it clear that he will not agree to lift paddy unless their demands are met.
Reportedly, over 50,000 commission agents (arhtiyas) and 8 lakh laborers are set to go indefinite strike across all grain markets in Punjab from Tuesday. Arhtiyas have called for an indefinite strike as they are demanding for revision in commission rates.