Punjab announces relaxations in custom milling policy

Chandigarh, Sep 24 (UNI) Conceding the demands of rice millers, the Punjab Government today announced relaxations in custom milling policy to ensure smooth procurement of paddy.

An official spokesman today said that those millers who had not delivered levy rice manufactured by them out of IR-8 paddy in Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2007-08 would not be treated as defaulters in KMS 2008-09.

However, he clarified that only the Export Oriented Units (EOUs) that exported rice in KMS 2007-08 either directly or indirectly would not be treated as defaulters in KMS 2008-09.

The spokesman said that those rice mills that defaulted on account of non-delivery of levy rice upto 75 per cent in KMS 2007-08 would be considered for allotment, if they deposit Rs 350 per quintal for the quantity less delivered by them in levy during KMS 2007-08.

The spokesman said that the bar on defaulter rice mills that have been auctioned by financial institution and commercial bank would be applicable with effect from KMS 2009-10 and during KMS 2009-10, they would be considered for allotment only after they clear the previous dues of the concerned agency.

The millers with whom FCI had banned its business dealings on account of delivery of rice "Beyond Rejection Limit" (BRL) during the previous years would be eligible for allotment in KMS 2008-09 as per the decision of FCI.

The spokesman said that the policy has also clarified that the quantum of paddy to be allotted to rice mills of various capacities with and without bank guarantee.

A rice mill with capacity of 1MT would be allotted maximum paddy not more than 1800 MT and can be allotted additional paddy equivalent to 1200 MT with 50 per cent bank guarantee or cash security equivalent to the 10 per cent of the total value of the stocks.

Similarly, a rice mill with a capacity of 200 MT would be allotted 8400 MT paddy without bank guarantee with additional 297000 MT with 50 per cent bank guarantee or cash security equivalent to the 10 per cent of the total value of the stocks.

UNI JN BP1847