Punjab Rice Millers end stir, govt agrees to their demand

Kapurthala, Jan 18 (PTI) Punjab Rice Millers Associationtoday said it has called off the 12-day-old stir after theCentre agreed not to pay them Rs 18 less per quintal onmilling of discolored and broken rice.

More than 3,400 rice millers were on indefinite strikefrom January 7 to protest the state agency Food Corporation ofIndia''s announcement to cut Rs 18 per quintal for the ricethat suffered 4 per cent damage, 3 per cent discloration and25 per cent broken rice in the milling process.

Punjab Rice Millers Association President Tarsem SinghSaini said he has received a written order from the UnionAgriculture and Public Distribution Ministry today regardingthe acceptance of their major demand of value cut ofRs 18.