Rice millers stage protest; seek resolution of pending issues

Nalgonda: District Rice Millers Association members staged a peaceful protest at the Collectorate on Friday and submitted a memorandum to the authorities, urging the government to resolve long-pending issues related to paddy milling and Custom Milled Rice (CMR) deliveries.

The millers demanded that the CMR percentage be fixed only after test milling during paddy procurement. They also sought acceptance of only boiled rice for CMR deliveries during the Rabi season. They requested the government to take back old empty gunny bags or fix their value at Rs.10 each, while scrap bags should be valued at Rs.5. The association sought payment of repair and maintenance charges for empty bags supplied to PPC centres and immediate settlement of all pending dues, including old government arrears. It also demanded a mutually beneficial CMR agreement and urged that electricity consumption up to 200 HP be brought under the LT category.

Other demands included renewal of market licences concerning tender paddy, exemption from unnecessary physical verification for mills without government dues, and consideration of 15-20 per cent shortages arising from damaged, discoloured rice, broken rice and other milling losses.

The millers also urged timely settlement of CMR-related dues and adequate storage arrangements to ensure smooth deliveries. Association president Karnati Narayana, general secretary Repala Bhadradri Ramulu, executive member Julakanti Indra Reddy, honorary president Chittipolu Yadagiri, Telangana Rice Millers Association vice-president Karnati Ramesh and Miryalaguda Rice Millers Association president Gauru Srinivas participated in the protest.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The Hans India