The commission agents (Arhtiyas) in Punjab, on Friday, decided to go ahead with their pre-announced strike against the Centre’s direct benefit transfer (DBT) of payment to farmers even as the Amarinder government is working on a new mechanism to keep the arhtiyas relevant.

Chief Minister Amarinder Singh ordered various steps to ensure their continued involvement in the process and immediate release of their pending payments of Rs 131 crore without waiting for dues to come from the FCI.

On the Chief Minister's directives, the state Food Department has amended the procurement software so that the commission agents will continue to be involved in the process of release of payments to the farmers, albeit in a modified manner, while farmers get their payments in their bank accounts within 48 hours, as mandated by the state government.

Declaring his unequivocal commitment to safeguarding the interests of Punjab's Arhtiyas, Captain Amarinder said despite the government of India's directives to exclude them from MSP payments, "the Arhtiyas shall always be associated with procurement". "Till I am there, you will part of the system, and your role will always remain," he asserted, adding that he will ensure that the Arhtiya's commission and other charges permitted under the APMC Act shall continue.

CM Singh appealed to the Arhtiyas to immediately start procurement and also take care of Covid norms. The government had to delay procurement this year till April 10 (from the previously scheduled April 1) on account of the second surge of Covid.

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