WEST BENGAL- CPM s Double Manoeuvre

official one of Rs 105.
The tussle between the stategovernment wheat purchasing agencies and the Food Corporation of India continues. The government's demand that FCl must hand over to it the sum of about Rs 9 crores which the Corporation realised as sales tax on wheat transactions with other states is currently the subject of a legal dispute, with the Union Food Minis fry, under- standably, backing the FCl. Until the issue is decided, the state authorities are determined not to let the FCl operate In their markets. The Punjab Food Minister is confident of achieving the procurement target despite the FCI's forebodings. The Akalis who have a hold over large sections of farmers are leaving no stone unturned to dissuade them from marketing their produce so soon after the harvest. Tiny seem to be sure of a higher wheat price later in the season. Even the CPI lias been vociferously demanding a procurement price of Rs 115 to Its 120.