Latest news with #Kataruchak
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
SAD-BJP, Cong govts left no stone unturned to end industry: Cheema
Punjab finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema wooed industrialists and business community in poll-bound Ludhiana Wednesday, and said that 'previous Congress and SAD-BJP governments' left no stone unturned to finish off industry in Punjab.' Addressing a press conference, Cheema said that the Punjab government's implementation of the single-window system for industrial approvals would be a 'game-changer that would lead to an industrial revolution in the state'. 'The previous Congress and SAD-BJP governments left no stone unturned to finish off industry in Punjab but as soon as AAP came to power, we are correcting all previous blunders done by them. Punjab will again be the industrial hub of the country,' said Cheema. He elaborated on all 12 aspects of the newly implemented single-window system terming it as 'historic decision'. Cheema pointed out that many industrialists were interested in Punjab but were deterred by bureaucratic hurdles. While some demands were addressed over the past three years, the single-window system now eliminates all such obstacles. 'No one will face difficulties in setting up industries in Punjab anymore,' he said. What is Rupani's connection with Punjab: Kataruchak AAP senior leader and cabinet minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, while responding to the Opposition's allegations of the AAP of being controlled from Delhi, said that all national parties have a centralized structure. Kataruchak, while addresing a press conference in Ludhiana, highlighted the 'hypocrisy of Congress and BJP leaders', said that Punjab Congress President Amrinder Singh Raja Warring doesn't even have a say in deciding the party's star campaigners for the Ludhiana West by-election and BJP Punjab leadership often priorities appeasing their 'Modi Darbar' over Punjab's rights and pride. Kataruchak launched a scathing attack on the BJP's Punjab model, saying it is being dictated by outsiders, questioning the relevance of appointing Gujarat's Vijay Rupani to oversee Punjab BJP affairs. 'What connection does Vijay Rupani have with Punjab's culture, history, or people?' Kataruchak asked, adding that the BJP's Punjab strategy reflects a blatant disregard for the state's identity and aspirations. Kataruchak compared BJP's treatment of Punjab to the oppressive rule of the Mughals. He alleged that BJP's Delhi-based leadership views Punjab merely as a resource to exploit, without any genuine interest in its development or the welfare of its people, but still BJP Punjab leaders stand with their party instead of Punjab.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Punjab wheat season concludes with 130 LMT procured, 10.8 LMT by traders
Chandigarh: A day after the wheat procurement season came to a close, Punjab food and supplies minister Lal Chand Kataruchak on Friday said a total of 130 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) wheat had been procured, including 119.24 LMT by state agencies and 10.80 LMT by traders. Emphasising that the entire wheat stock that arrived in the grain markets had been procured, the minister said the purchase of wheat by traders saw an upswing this time. "Lifting is on and 104.51 LMT has been moved. The remaining stocks of 14.72 LMT will be lifted from the mandis in the next 6-7 days. A total of Rs 28,571 crore had been credited into the accounts of over seven lakh farmers," he said. "Fulfilling its promise, the state govt procured every single grain of the 130.03 LMT wheat that arrived in the grain markets. In order to ensure smooth and hassle-free procurement, the state govt had set up a total of 2,885 mandis and purchase centres, out of which 1,864 were regular and 1,021 were temporary centres," he added. "The lifted stocks have been moved to storage points and open plinths. The direct delivery to the Food Corporation of India (FCI) has started and 18.27 LMT wheat has been handed over to it," said Kataruchak. Punjab set a target of 124 LMT but made preparations for procuring up to 132 LMT at the start of the season. Last year's total procurement figure was 130 LMT, which included 123 LMT by procurement agencies and 7.18 LMT by private traders. The Punjab govt secured a Rs 28,000 crore cash credit limit (CCL) for wheat procurement, ensuring that farmers receive payments within 24 hours of selling their crops at the minimum support price (MSP). The state govt designated 1,864 mandis and procurement centres for wheat procurement, with an additional 700 temporary mandis. RECORD PURCHASE BY TRADERS Private traders emerged as active buyers of wheat from Punjab farmers this season, accounting for 8.30% of the total procurement, driven by the expectation of year-end profits. This marks a shift from previous years when private trade largely avoided Punjab's wheat market due to the state's high 8.5% procurement levies, which include a 3% market fee, a 3% rural development cess, and a 2.5% commission for arhtiyas. This taxation is significantly higher compared to the approximately 3% procurement levies in most other key wheat-producing states. Earlier, flour mills usually bought additional stocks of wheat from the FCI from time to time, but wheat production dipped over the past two years. This helped the traders sell wheat at a premium, and they are expecting a similar trend this season too. Some farmers have also decided to hold back their stocks this time. MSID:: 121215791 413 |
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Union min visits Asia's largest grain mkt in Khanna
Khanna: Union MoS (consumer affairs, food and public distribution) Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya visited Asia's largest grain market here Friday to take stock of the arrangements for the procurement of wheat. He was accompanied by Punjab minister Lal Chand Kataruchak. Kataruchak (minister for food, civil supplies and consumer affairs) conveyed the demands of arhtiyas and labourers involved in wheat procurement to the Union minister. He urged him to consider increasing the fees of commission agents due to rising inflation. He also drew his attention to the paucity of storage space across Punjab, emphasizing that the state procures grain for the central pool and thus requires enhanced storage facilities. Bambhaniya assured him that the demands and issues would be addressed. Kataruchak also told the Union minister that wheat procurement is progressing smoothly across mandis in the state. So far, he said 116 lakh metric tonnes of wheat have arrived in the markets, of which 114 LMT has been procured, and payments of Rs 23,000 crore have been made to farmers. He noted that 99% of the wheat procurement operations have been completed, and farmers are returning from the markets satisfied. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Bambhaniya praised the Punjab govt for its excellent procurement arrangements, stating that a total of 2,885 procurement centres have been established across the state to ensure smooth and uninterrupted procurement. Of these, 1,864 are regular centres, while 1,021 are temporary ones. She said this year's bumper crop, due to high yields, will help achieve the target of 124 LMT. During their visit to the Khanna grain market , both the ministers held detailed discussions with farmers and commission agents regarding wheat arrivals and procurement. They expressed satisfaction with the Punjab govt's arrangements and instructed officials to ensure timely lifting of procured stocks. Upon arrival at the market committee office in Khanna, the Union MoS was also accorded a guard of honour by the Khanna police contingent. Among those present on the occasion were joint secretary of the Union ministry of consumer affairs, food and public distribution, C Shikha, GM of FCI, B Srinivasan, director of food supplies department, Varinder Kumar Sharma, MD Punsup Sonali Giri and others.
Hans India
30-04-2025
- Business
- Hans India
111 lakh metric tons wheat procured in Punjab, says minister
Chandigarh: As wheat procurement in Punjab is heading for a record production of 124 lakh metric tons (LMT), the procurement has been going on at a rapid pace throughout Punjab and till now 114 LMT of produce has arrived, out of which 111 LMT has been procured. Interacting with the media, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak on Wednesday said the procurement by government agencies has crossed the 100-LMT mark and currently stands at 103 LMT. As regards the payments to the farmers, an amount to the tune of Rs 22,815 crore has been credited into the accounts of farmers, said the minister, adding till date 628,674 farmers have brought their produce into the mandis. The lifting is also picking up speed, and 47.37 lakh metric tons has been lifted, which is 56.6 per cent as per the 72-hour norms. Furthermore, in order to ensure smooth and hassle-free procurement, a total of 2,885 procurement centres have been established in the state and out of these 1,864 are regular while 1,021 are temporary ones. The minister also disclosed that this time around, the yield has been very high, which has led to a bumper crop in Punjab. He said that this would help a great deal in successfully meeting the target of 124 LMT. Divulging more details, Kataruchak mentioned that he is visiting the mandis throughout the state at regular intervals, and not even a single farmer has complained regarding the arrangements made at the mandis. All the necessary amenities such as 'bardana', proper sanitation, drinking water and wooden crates have been ensured. Among others present on the occasion were Principal Secretary Rahul Tewari, Additional Secretary Kamal Kumar Garg, and Additional Director Anjuman Bhaskar.
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Time of India
Wildlife cinema hall among 7 projects inaugurated at Chhatbir Zoo
1 2 Mohali: In a significant step towards enhancing safety and visitor experience, the fencing work at Chhatbir Zoo has been completed. It is among the seven projects, including a wildlife cinema hall , inaugurated on Thursday by state forests and wildlife preservation minister, Lal Chand Kataruchak. The cost of the projects is Rs 1.33 crore. The new fencing is expected to reduce road mishaps in the area and reinforce the zoo's perimeter security. This was announced, during the inauguration of several new projects aimed at upgrading the zoo's infrastructure and facilities. "The continuous improvement of basic infrastructure is vital not only for the well-being of the animals but also for educating and sensitising visitors about the rich biodiversity of our country," said Kataruchak. The highlight of the day was the unveiling of the wildlife cinema hall, designed to screen films and documentaries on various animal species and conservation efforts. The hall can accommodate 25 to 30 people and will offer free entry to all visitors. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Cost Of Amusement Park Equipment From Mexico Might Surprise You Amusement Park Equipment | search ads Click Here Undo In a move to improve amenities for the public, two new drinking water points were inaugurated — one at the main entry gate and another near the popular walk-in aviary. With these additions, the zoo now boasts a total of five drinking water stations for visitor convenience. Adding to the list of upgraded attractions, a modernised crocodile enclosure was also opened. The enclosure has been designed in accordance with the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) guidelines and features a glass panel that offers visitors a clear view of the reptiles in their habitat, enhancing both educational and viewing experiences. Fulfilling a longstanding request from visitors, a souvenir shop has been established inside the zoo. The shop will offer memorabilia, including merchandise with the zoo's logo, allowing guests to take a piece of their visit home with them. To support eco-friendly transportation within the zoo, a battery charging station has been made operational. The station will serve the zoo's fleet of 28 battery-operated vehicles and two trackless toy trains, and also function as a secure parking space for the electric fleet. Also present at the event were MLA Derabassi Kuljit Singh Randhawa, field director of Chhatbir Zoo Neeraj Kumar, and chief conservator of forests (wildlife) Sagar Setia. WHAT'S NEW Inspection hut (rest house) Wildlife cinema Souvenir shop Crocodile enclosure Bot shed Battery charging stations
