Chandigarh: Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday launched a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system at an event held at Tagore Theatre in Chandigarh, chaired by Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria.
Union Minister for Education, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi and Union Minister of State for Food and Public Distribution Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya attended the event as special guests.
Chouhan said the initiative marks an important step towards bringing greater transparency, security and timeliness to the Public Distribution System (PDS). He said that under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, there will be no compromise on the interests of farmers and the poor.
Chouhan made it clear that there would be no compromise on farmers’ interests in matters relating to agricultural policy and food security. He said that all agreements entered into with countries across the world concerning farmers have been guided by the principle that national interest, farmers’ interests and public interest remain paramount.
“Sadly, the Opposition has a problem even with this,” he said. Referring to the country’s strong stocks of wheat and rice, Chouhan said India is now capable of meeting its domestic requirements and exporting when necessary. He said that under the Prime Minister’s leadership, the transparent delivery of PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi and other benefits will continue, with the protection and welfare of farmers remaining the government’s highest priority.
At the event, Chouhan also strongly criticised disruptions in Parliament and the conduct of the Opposition, stressing that the dignity of democracy must be upheld. He said such disruptions amount to an insult to the Constitution and the democratic process, and that necessary decisions will be taken in the national interest. Shri Chouhan emphasised that debate is essential in a democracy, but disruption is unacceptable.