Chandigarh, December 24 : The Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema is making concerted efforts. Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak is actively involved as well. Member of Parliament Vikramjit Singh Sahney and Punjab Chief Secretary KAP Sinha joined them. They met with the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi today. Their aim is to address the critical issues surrounding the Rural Development Fund (RDF) and Market Development Fund (MDF). The delegation emphasized that urgently releasing RDF and MDF payments amounting to Rs 7000 crore is necessary. These funds are crucial for maintaining Punjab’s extensive agricultural marketing infrastructure.

Cheema revealed details of the meeting while interacting with media

          Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema revealed details of the meeting while interacting with media here. He said that the meeting was marked by a constructive discussion. The delegation underscored the unique challenges Punjab faces due to the delay in payment of RDF and MDF. “Officers of the state government also accompanied us. They wanted to apprise the Union Finance Minister about the substantial role of these funds. These funds are crucial for the development of the Mandi Board and the Mandis. They are also essential for roads connecting Mandis and other Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure”, he added.

RDF and MDF in Punjab’s case cannot be compared with other states.

          Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated that the RDF/ MDF in Punjab’s case cannot be compared with other states. Punjab is a Decentralized Procurement (DCP) State. He said that Punjab’s mandi infrastructure has been developed over decades and has significantly improved the procurement processes.

          “We have to charge a higher RDF/MDF because of this vast and time-tested infrastructure that no other state possesses. The RDF and MDF have enabled us to develop a vast network of roads. These roads connect the remotest of our villages to the mandis. These roads now demand maintenance and recarpeting, which will not be possible without the required RDF/MDF funds”, he added.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stressed the need to resolve the issue on priority. He emphasized the urgency of the matter. Any further delay in the release of funds will severely limit the state’s ability to maintain the infrastructure involved. It will cause procurement issues. This situation is the absolute last thing the Government of Punjab and the Government of India want.

He expressed optimism that a decision would be made soon. RDF and MDF payments are expected to be released soon by the Union Government. These payments will provide much-needed financial support for the continued development and maintenance of Punjab’s agricultural infrastructure.