Chandigarh, Oct. 19 -- Chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday directed senior IAS officers and administrative secretaries of various departments to ensure that the ongoing procurement of paddy was carried out in a smooth and hassle-free manner during the festive Diwali season.

Chairing a meeting with IAS officers at his residence, the CM noted that despite massive devastation caused by floods in the state, Punjab was still expected to contribute 175 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of paddy to the national pool.

The CM revealed that as of Friday, 38.65 LMT of paddy had arrived in mandis, out of which 37.20 LMT had already been purchased. He said in line with the state government's norm to ensure lifting within 72 hours of procurement, an impr...