Counter negative campaign on procurement, CM tells Collectors

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy addresses negative procurement campaign, praises farmers, reviews progress, and directs officials to counter propaganda effectively.

Noting the negative campaign on the ongoing procurement, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy directed the district collectors to give out information about procurement at regular intervals to effectively counter the propaganda. The Chief Minister complimented the farmers of the State who have produced a record 2.75 crore metric tonnes of paddy this season.

The Chief Minister held a video conference with senior officials and district collectors on Tuesday to review the progress of procurement operations. He said politically motivated campaigns were trying to defame the government and to counter it general public should be made aware that the government procured an additional 21.50 lakh tonnes compared to the previous year. He cited an incident where a farmer died due to illness, but it was attributed to procurement delay. He asked the district collectors to hire local godowns, if need be, to ensure that procurement was not affected by rains.

The government had procured 64.5 lakh metric tonnes of paddy during the current season, completing 90% of procurement. The government had spent ₹12,184 crore, and the amounts were credited into the farmers’ accounts within 48 hours. “We are unable to communicate the good work done by the government,” he said.

The Chief Minister said the southwest monsoon arrived in the State 15 days in advance and this was causing problems in the procurement of food grain. Since the weather department had forecast 29% more rain this year, officials should be on alert.

There are adequate quantities of seeds and fertilisers, and officials should distribute them keeping in view the farmers’ needs. Stern action should be initiated against sale of spurious seeds and cases registered under the Preventive Detention Act against those involved, he said. He directed officials to nominate special officers to supervise the arrangements at the grassroots.

Referring to Bhu Bharati Act, Mr. Reddy instructed the officials and district collectors to take it closer to people by conducting awareness meetings. He wanted them to conduct the third phase of revenue sadassus between June 3 and 20.

The Chief Minister said Indiramma Indlu, the weaker section housing programme, was crucial and its implementation was the responsibility of the district collectors. Steps should be taken to constitute mandal-level committees on price control. Besides, officials should distribute coupons about free sand supply and ensure that loans are provided for setting up centring units as well as brick making units.