The deadlock over the 2.5 percent commission on wheat procurement continues in Punjab after a crucial meeting between the Federation of Commission Agents (Arhtiyas) and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann ended without any resolution on Thursday.
Both sides met in Chandigarh to discuss the ongoing dispute, but talks remained inconclusive. The next round of discussions has now been scheduled for April 6.
Commission agents alleged that the state government is attempting to delay the issue, while they remain firm on their demand, calling it a fight for their rights. They stated that protests will continue until their demands are accepted.
Notably, wheat arrivals have not yet begun in mandis, although the government officially announced the start of procurement from April 1. Arhtiyas are insisting on restoring the commission rate to 2.5 percent, which they say was previously applicable.
The meeting was attended by Federation state president Vijay Kalra, state vice-president Amandeep Singh Chhina, district president Maninder Singh Sarja, chairman Rajwinder Singh, general secretary Gurpreet Singh Chhina, along with representatives from across Punjab, including members from Tarn Taran.
According to federation leaders, the commission was earlier fixed at 2.5 percent per quintal, but during 2019-20 it was revised to ₹45.88 per quintal. With the current wheat Minimum Support Price (MSP) standing at ₹2,585 per quintal, agents are demanding restoration of the percentage-based commission, which would increase their commission to nearly ₹65 per quintal.
Leaders also alleged that the state government attempted to shift responsibility to the central government during discussions, but commission agents remained firm on their demand.
The federation warned that if their demands are not fulfilled during the April 6 meeting, all 1,854 mandis across Punjab will remain completely shut, holding the government responsible for any disruption in procurement operations.
