Corruption in the distribution of bardana will not be tolerated:Bilal Yasin

Lahore: Provincial Minister for Food Bilal Yasin has said that Punjab government has fixed wheat procurement target of 40 lakh metric ton in the province. He said that district administration and Food Department will extend complete cooperation to the farmers for transparent purchase of wheat. He said that corruption and irregularities in the distribution of bardana will not be tolerated. He said that strict disciplinary action will be taken against government machinery if found negligent in this regard.

He was addressing a high level meeting held in connection with wheat procurement arrangements at Conference Hall, in the office of Commissioner Sargodha Division. Secretary Food Punjab Dr. Pervaiz Ahmed Khan, Commissioner Sargodha Division Capt. (R) Muhammad Asif, Director Food Asif Bilal besides DCOs of four districts, Deputy Directors Food, DFCs and representatives of farmers all over the division attended the meeting. Bilal Yasin stressed upon the Food Department to pay attention to the labour arrangements for loading and unloading of wheat. He said that Punjab province is the biggest stockist of Asia with regard to wheat procurement. He said that the aim of wheat procurement is not to fill the godowns of wheat but the real objective is to give due return to the farmers to their hard work so that we should remain self-sufficient in food. The Provincial Minister said that the administration and Food Department should take vigorous steps for providing facilities to the farmers including tent for sitting, cold water for drinking, chairs and keeping the revenue matters transparent.

Earlier, Secretary Food Pervaiz Ahmed Khan stressed upon Food Department and district administration to hold meetings with farmers for knowing their problems and proposals. He said that the record of distribution of bardana is available in Punjab Information Technology Board and Chief Minister Punjab is personally monitoring it. He said that Chief Minister can get information about any procurement center by contacting the farmers on telephone at any time. He said that the wheat procurement target is a big target for which administration and Food Department will utilize all their resources.

The meeting was told that government has fixed the price of wheat 1300 rupees per maund, 10 percent moisture ratio whereas weight 101.100 kg. Delivery charges will be Rs. 7.5 per 100 kg bag. It was told that control rooms and committees have been constituted for monitoring of procurement and redressal of complaints of farmers.