Gurpreet Singh :- Amid the ongoing strike by commission agents in Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has initiated a significant policy shift by directing the inclusion of rural cooperative societies in the commission agent (arhtiya) business. The move is being viewed as a potential alternative arrangement to ensure smooth procurement operations during the crisis.
According to reliable sources, the Chief Minister, who also holds the Cooperation portfolio, has instructed the department to prepare a list of financially viable rural cooperative societies that can be entrusted with arhtiya responsibilities. The objective is not only to maintain procurement efficiency but also to strengthen the financial position of these societies.
The development comes in the backdrop of a statewide strike launched by the Federation of Arhtiya Associations of Punjab since April 1. The protesting agents are demanding a commission rate of 2.5 percent. Tensions escalated further after a delegation of Punjab arhtiyas recently met Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. In response, Mann had remarked that those willing could carry out their operations in Haryana, signaling a tough stance by the state government.
With the current wheat procurement season being the last under the present Aam Aadmi Party government’s tenure, the administration is keen to avoid any disruption. Officials have also been directed to formulate an incentive policy for commission agents who continue to cooperate with the state, including priority in milling and related processes.
During discussions with senior अधिकारियों, the Chief Minister emphasized that farmers are already facing adverse weather conditions and must not be burdened further. Ensuring uninterrupted procurement remains a top priority, prompting the government to explore alternative systems beyond traditional commission agents.
Punjab currently has around 3,520 rural cooperative societies, some of which are already engaged in procurement-related activities in larger villages. Representatives of the cooperative sector have welcomed the move. Bahadur Singh, president of the Rural Cooperative Societies Employees Union, termed the decision progressive, stating that it could enhance the financial stability of these institutions. However, he also urged the government to provide adequate infrastructure and logistical support before assigning them full-scale responsibilities.
