A critical gathering of ministers and officials convened on Tuesday in Kochi, aiming to iron out persistent issues surrounding paddy procurement. However, the discussions concluded without reaching a consensus.
This meeting garnered significant public interest, particularly due to the ongoing disagreement between the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Communist Party of India concerning the PM SHRI scheme.
Held at the esteemed Ernakulam Guest House, the session saw the attendance of prominent figures including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies G.R. Anil, Minister for Agriculture P. Prasad, and Minister for Electricity K. Krishnankutty.
The proceedings were abruptly halted when Chief Minister Vijayan insisted on the presence of mill owners, a proposal that diverged from the initial understanding that the meeting was exclusively for ministers and high-ranking officials.
Consequently, a separate follow-up meeting specifically with representatives of mill owners has been scheduled for Wednesday in Thiruvananthapuram.
Following the inconclusive talks, CPI Ministers swiftly dismissed claims that the deadlock over the PM SHRI scheme was in any way linked to the meeting’s cancellation.
Minister Prasad assured the press that all outstanding matters related to paddy procurement would be thoroughly addressed during the upcoming Wednesday session.