Rs. 1K Cr Released For AP Rice Millers

The Centre has finally released Rs. 1,000 crore to the Food Corporation Of India (FCI), towards the payment of levy rice dues to the millers of the state by FCI.

The Centre's decision came as an outcome out of the efforts of the Chief Minister and the discussions he had with the Union Food and Civil Supplies Minister Thomas.

Over the last 3 days FCI paid Rs. 270 crore to millers, an official statement from the Chief Minister's Office said.

This will enable the millers to purchase paddy from the farmers on a large scale.

It may be recalled that the FCI was owed the state's millers an amount to the tune of Rs. 1,000 crore towards the payment of levy rice.

The Chief Minister wrote twice to the Union Government, besides meeting met Union Minister Thomas in this regard.

"Due to the efforts of the Chief Minister, the FCI is making payments to the millers of the state," the CMO said, and added that the remaining dues will also be cleared within the next week.

While thanking the Union Government and Union Minister Thomas, the Chief Minister asked the Centre to ensure that no dues to the millers are kept pending by the centre.

He also asked the millers to purchase paddy by ensuring the Minimum Support Price. (INN)