Gadchiroli March 13 (District Correspondent) Gadchiroli-Chimur Lok Sabha Member of Parliament Dr. Namdev Kirsan has demanded in the Lok Sabha the that 24-hour electricity supply should be made available to paddy farmers in the constituency.
Dr. Kirsan drew the attention of the House towards the burning issue of the farmers, during his recent speech.
Paddy farmers are being robbed a lot from the government paddy procurement centre. Along with this, they are being put to hardships in want of regular power supply which is quite necessary for the crops. However, it is not available. Due to this, farmers have to face many problems.
Dr. Kirsan presented the House with the problems of the government paddy procurement centres in the district. The central government has reduced the deficit of paddy purchasing societies. Earlier, a deficit of one kilogram per quintal was being taken. However, now it has been reduced to half a kilogram per quintal. Due to this, the societies purchasing paddy at guaranteed prices are being hit hard, he pointed out.
As a result, as much as two kilograms per quintal are being deducted from the farmers while purchasing paddy. This is indirectly affecting the farmers. Therefore, he also demanded that the central government should reduce the deficit of paddy by four kilos at the government paddy procurement centres.
Since the Gadchiroli-Chimur Lok Sabha constituency is covered with forests, there is a large amount of wildlife here. It is a challenge for farmers to go to the fields at night. If we review the incidents of conflict between wild animals and humans in this area, this will be noticed, so the farmers should also be provided with 24-hour electricity supply, Dr. Kirsan demanded further.
The rates of porters per quintal have been fixed differently in different states of the country for labourers working at the government paddy procurement centres. Laborers in Madhya Pradesh are paid Rs. 16, while those working in Punjab are paid Rs. 17, and in Assam, the rate of porters is Rs. 24 per quintal. However, in Maharashtra, only Rs. 10.75 rate is being paid. Since such a difference is made, labourers are not available at the government procurement center. Therefore, the central government should declare the rates of porters in all states on the lines of Assam, he demanded.
