The Punjab Government has implemented “conditional paddy procurement” across the state amid suspicion of cheaper paddy from outside Punjab being sold to government procurement agencies here.

The decision was conveyed to all Deputy Commissioners by the Principal Secretary, Food and Civil Supplies, at a meeting on Monday. Conditional procurement began on Monday and will continue till Tuesday.

From Wednesday, no paddy will be procured without prior approval from the respective Deputy Commissioners (DCs). An officer of the Executive Magistrate rank will supervise such purchase and personally inspect paddy brought for sale. The government has also started winding up temporary paddy purchase centres.

Last week, similar measures were enforced in the border districts of Fazilka, Tarn Taran and

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