New Delhi:The Central Government on Thursday rejected the plea of the Punjab Government for yet another exemption of Direct Benefit Transfer to the farmers and directed it to make online MSP payment in the upcoming procurement season.
Punjab's Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal, PWD Minister Vijay Inder Singhla and Food and Civil supply minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu met Union Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Piyush Goyal to make their demands. The meeting lasted for almost two hours.
Later, while addressing the media, Manpreet Singh Badal said, "The Minister has rejected our requests for exemption from DBT route. He said that the state would have to make its own procurement arrangements if it wishes to pay farmers through 'Arthiyas'. So, we are now left with no other choice."
Bharat Bhushan Ashu said Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amrinder Singh has called a meeting of 'Arthiyas' on Friday. He said that the state government will explore ways to make direct payments to the farmers and will also provide protection to the 'Arthiyas'.
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