Cabinet approves committee level auction of surplus paddy

Central Chronicle News
Raipur, Feb 25: Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel today chaired the Cabinet Meeting at the main committee room of Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly premise today and many important decisions were taken.
Cabinet approves deposit of addl 60000 MT of rice to CSCSC in State Pool
Regarding the disposal of unclaimed paddy procured on support price in Kharif marketing year 2019-20, Cabinet has taken following decision- for disposal of the estimated 2.27 lakh metric tonnes of paddy remaining in the post-drought collection center, the target of depositing the remaining 1.72 lakh ton paddy for custom milling has been cancelled and permission to deposit the additional 60,000 tons of rice out of the remaining quantity of 92,000 tons to Chhattisgarh State Civil Supplies Corporation (CSCSC) in the State Pool, against the previously set target of 28.55 lakh tons of rice in CSCSC.
Surplus paddy of 2020-21 to be auctioned
In the Kharif marketing year 2020-21, 92 lakh metric tons of paddy has been procured on support price. Government of India had given permission to deposit only 24 lakh metric tons of rice in Food Corporation of India (FCI). After meeting the requirement of 24 lakh MT under State PDS, 20.5 lakhs metric tons of unallocated paddy is remaining (Surplus), which Cabinet has decided to resolve through committee-level auction. The cabinet sub-committee constituted for paddy procurement and custom milling will approve the highest bid received in the auction. Food department has been authorized to invited the bids for selling price of rice available in the Civil Supplies Corporation.
Decides to purchase of Ayurvedic medicines, processed foods obtained from minor forest produce:
The Cabinet has decided to purchase Ayurvedic medicines, processed foods obtained from the processing of minor forest produce, and herbal products manufactured by Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Association (CSMFPA). In case the products are not available with State Minor Forest Produce Association, government departments can obtain clearance from the Association and purchase those products from the market.
Regarding the products manufactured by CSMFPA or through Public Private Partnership, Cabinet has decided to relax the tender invitation as per the provision of Chhattisgarh Warehousing Rules. A decision to constitute a six-member committee under the chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary / Principal Secretary Forest and Climate Change Department was taken to determine the selling price. The Cabinet also decided to procure ‘kodo-kutki’ and ‘Ragi’ on support price in the scheduled area of the state.
The Nineteenth Annual Report of Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC) (April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020) was approved for tabling in the State Legislative Assembly.
Draft of CEC (Amendment) Act approved:
The draft of Chhattisgarh Electricity Charges (Amendment) Act 2021 was approved in the cabinet meeting. Cabinet ratified the decision taken by Company’s Board of Directors to shut down both the 120 MW units of Chhattisgarh State Power Generation Company Limited in Korba. In the same sequence, Cabinet has authorized Energy Department to take the decision on alternative use of the vacant land available as a result of the closure of the power plants.
Cabinet has decided to slacken the TP Rules for transport of minor forest produce in the state. As per this decision, state government has given this exemption to all unspecified minor forest produce except wood, minerals, wildlife products and tendupatta.