Centre asks Punjab to implement PFMS for NFSA subsidy

The centre on Thursday asked Punjab government to fully implement Public Financial Management System (PFMS) for disbursement of subsidy under National Food Security Act for second and third quarter 2018.

At a meeting between Punjab CM Amarinder Singh with Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan, the state was advised to submit the bills in proper format.

"The state has been advised to implement Public Financial Management System (PFMS) fully as per a directive of Ministry of Finance and ensure use of Expenditure Advance and Transfer Module by implementing agencies," the ministry said.

According to the ministry, Rs 796.33 crores have been released to the state for the Financial Year 2017-18.

In the meeting Paswan said that due to issues with the submitted advance subsidy claim provided by Punjab to the Ministry, the claims could not be processed. 

The Punjab CM also demanded expediting pending payments on other three issues as well -- infrastructure development cess and Purchase Tax on wheat (2017-18) stocks in hand as on June 30, 2017; custody and maintenance charge for paddy; and charges for wheat stored in cover and plinth.

During the meeting, Singh also requested for reimbursement of custody and maintenance charges on the storage of wheat in open plinths from the year 2007-08. - IANS