Cuttack: In order to streamline the transport system during paddy procurement process and address the delays in loading paddy at mandis and unloading at mills, the State Transport Authority in Odisha has proposed several measures including installation of vehicle location tracking devices.
Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur held discussions with the Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd, Truck Owners Association and transport contractors in Cuttack to coordinate the transport system for paddy procurement on the day.
Various issues faced by truck owners during paddy transportation were discussed in detail. Sudhakar Sahu, Chief Manager of the State Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd, highlighted several aspects of the tender to be issued by the Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation for paddy transportation.
Thakur suggested to ensure smooth transportation of paddy as the procurement process is set to begin at the end of November. The state government has targeted to procure 86 lakh tonne of paddy this year.
He advised that all truck owners should instal vehicle location tracking devices by November 15. He also suggested that a representative from the miller should be present at the mandi during loading and the paddy should be covered with tarpaulin and sealed after loading to avoid discrepancies in paddy procurement.
Thakur recommended that the State Civil Supplies Corporation should amend the tender rules by reducing the EMD ratio to 3% and lowering the transport experience requirements for eligibility.
Senior officials from the State Transport Authority along with Ravi Satpathy, general secretary of the Odisha Truck Owners Federation, Sarat Chandra Pradhan, president of the Odisha Truck Owners Association and many transport operators attended the meeting.
