Bihar Food minister flays BJP for spreading 'lies' about bonus

The Bihar government today slammed opposition BJP for "spreading lies" about already providing bonus on procurement of paddy in BJP-ruled Chhattisgarh.
"The truth is that Chhattisgarh is still purchasing paddy from farmers at Rs 1,310 per quintal as determined by the Centre and no bonus is given to farmers," state Food Minister Shyam Rajak said in a statement.
Nitish Kumar government had yesterday announced an additional Rs 250 per quintal bonus on procurement of paddy which pushed the rate to Rs 1,560/quintal, making it the highest in the country.
"Instead of praising the state government for the commendable work in the interest of farmers, the BJP is spreading lies," he said.

The minister said he has directed his officials to get a photograph clicked when the cheque was handed over to the farmers at paddy procurement centres.
The photograph should be uploaded and monitored regularly.