Centre delaying supply of pulses: Ashu

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 9

Food and Civil Supplies Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu has accused the Centre of delaying the supply of pulses to Punjab without reason, causing inconvenience to beneficiaries of the National Food Security Act.

“Punjab has received 10,800 MT of pulses under the National Food Security Act and Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY). For fast delivery of pulses, the Food and Civil Supplies Department had written to NAFAD in April. The state received 5,565.94 MT of urad dal till Friday night.

“The dilly-dallying attitude of the Centre has hit the distribution of foodgrain in several districts, particularly in Patiala. The state government is working hard to mitigate the sufferings of people who are fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. The apathetic attitudes of the Centre have created unnecessary hindrances,” the minister said.

He further said, “The Patiala cluster, which caters to Mohali, Ropar, Fatehgarh Sahib and Sangrur districts, has received only 900 MT of pulses against the allocation of 2,189.11 MT. the last tranche of supply was received on May 2.”