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Raje seeks early release of funds

Special Correspondent

JAIPUR: Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has requested the Union Ministry of Agriculture to release Rs. 137.5 crores against the purchase of 14.18-lakh metric tonnes of mustard this year and make an early payment of Rs. 211.5 crores from the National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF) to the State.

Ms. Raje, who met Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar in New Delhi on Monday, pointed out that these payments were pending for long and an early release of funds would provide relief to farmers and labourers engaged for drought relief works.

The State Government had bought 14.18-lakh metric tonnes of mustard through its agency, RAJFED, following the bumper crop this year. However, the Central Government's agency, NAFED, gave sanction for payment towards only 13.45-lakh metric tonnes.

An official release here stated that Mr. Pawar agreed during the meeting to make the remaining payment.

As for the drought relief works, Ms. Raje pointed out that labourers in the State were not willing to accept maize or bajra in lieu of wheat, while the Centre was not able to allocate wheat to meet the requirement.

The Chief Minister suggested that cash payments from NCCF be made in place of foodgrain to resolve the issue. The release said Mr. Pawar instructed officials of his Ministry to undertake an extensive study of the issue for suitable action.

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