Tamil Nadu - Coimbatore   

CPI(M) seeks higher procurement prices

Staff Reporter

Says farmers deserve a better deal

COIMBATORE: The State Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has urged the Government to hike procurement prices of farm produce. A resolution to this effect was passed at a meeting here on Tuesday.

With harvest season in full swing across Tamil Nadu, particularly the Cauvery delta region, procurement centres had been opened by the State Government in Thanjavur, Nagapattinam and Thiruvarur districts. Similar centres should be opened in other districts.

The procurement rate of Rs. 650 a quintal for one variety of rice and Rs. 820 a quintal for another variety was proving to be inadequate for farmers, who had been affected by drought and subsequently by flood. Even the harvest expenses were high. To compensate them, the State Government should give Rs. 100 a quintal as incentive.

"Inadequate"

Similarly, the procurement price of Rs. 1,025 for a tonne of sugarcane was inadequate. Farmers were not getting reasonable procurement price for maize, cashew and milk. The Government was urged to increase the procurement price of sugarcane to Rs. 1,250.

Another resolution condemned school authorities in Sriputhur panchayat in Cuddalore district for refusing permission to Scheduled Caste students for taking part in Republic day events and competitions.

Lauding the officials and local body elected representatives for stepping in and condemning such actions, the party urged the State Government to take stringent measures to prevent incidents of caste-based discrimination.

Firm on support

Later talking to newsmen, State Secretary N. Varadarajan said the party's support to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Government in the State would continue.

The CPI (M) would continue to play the role of a constructive opposition on issues concerning the welfare of people. He dismissed reports raising doubts on the continuance of the party's support to the State Government as false and baseless.

He urged the Government to bring out short films to educate women on their rights and also on the provisions in the latest legislation aimed at protecting them from harassment.

State Executive Committee member V. Meenakshisundaram presided.

Polit Bureau Member R. Umanath, Central Committee members P. Ramachandran, T.K. Rangarajan, U.R. Varadarajan, Pappa Umanath, A.K. Padmanabhan, U. Vasuki were among the participants.

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