The Odisha government on Friday increased paddy milling charges to Rs 40 per quintal for parboiled rice and Rs 20 per quintal for raw rice, conceding to the demand of millers who had threatened to go on strike from June 8. The decision was announced by the state government after negotiations with the All Odisha Rice Millers' Association.
Government's Rationale
The Chief Minister expressed hope that the move would address the issues faced by the millers, facilitate seamless paddy procurement from farmers, and strengthen the state's food security system. The revised charges represent a significant increase from the previous rates of Rs 20 per quintal for parboiled rice and Rs 10 per quintal for raw rice.
Millers' Response
The millers have agreed to call off their strike plan following the government's decision. However, they stated that they would continue negotiations with the government for the fulfillment of their other demands. The association had earlier submitted a memorandum to Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chanda Patra on Thursday, threatening to go on strike if their demands were not met.
Outstanding Demands
In their memorandum, the All Odisha Rice Millers' Association had demanded a hike in milling charges to Rs 100 per quintal. Other demands include an increase in transportation charges for paddy and rice, and reimbursement of toll gate fees on an actual basis upon submission of receipts incurred during transportation. The government's decision to raise charges partially addresses these demands, but further discussions are expected to resolve the remaining issues.
