JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, today convened a meeting with Jammu Flour Mills Association to take stock of their issues and concerns for speedy redress.

The Association expressed concern over the crippling impact of Punjab Government's Mandi fee on wheat procurement, severely affecting the flour mills in Jammu and Kashmir. They sought the intervention of Dy CM in resolving this issue of grave concern at the earliest.

The representatives of Jammu Flour Mills Association apprised the Dy CM that the government of Punjab has levied additional 6 percent of Mandi fee which included Mandi tax, Arthia Commission and other taxes, above the MRP for the Millers from outside the states of Punjab. They said that it has created extra burden on the Jammu Millers as they have to purchase the wheat on higher rates which automatically results in higher prices of Atta, Maida, Suji, Dalia, Bran and other wheat derivatives.

Responding to the issues raised by the Association, the Dy CM assured that the legitimate issues of flour mills would be resolved on priority basis.

The Dy CM reiterated that government is committed to support its local industry and will take every possible step to make them flourish.