Bhubaneswar, January 6: Cooperation Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta on Tuesday said that the demands of the All Odisha Rice Millers’ Association (AORMA) are not justified.

“The demands of the rice millers are not justified. Since the paddy procurement process is underway in the State, they are trying to create problem for the Government during this crucial period. Government may initiate some strict steps against them,” said Cooperation Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta.

Maintaining that no conclusion has been developed during the meeting between the AORMS and the Government, the Minister said, “It is not a compulsion for the Government to fulfil the four-point charter of demands. They are doing this at the behest of others. But we hope the issue will be resolved soon.”

The Minister said that the Food Supply and Consumer Welfare Department is holding talks with the protesting rice millers to resolve the crisis.

The rice millers’ association has demanded an increase in custom milling charges, revision of transportation rates for paddy and rice and enhanced custody and maintenance charges for the grains stored in their godowns.

Paddy procurement in the State is set to face a major disruption during the ongoing Kharif marketing season (KMS), as the rice millers’ have launched an indefinite strike from Monday.

The rice milling industry plays a crucial role in the State’s food supply chain. There are currently 1,420 active rice mills in the state, which handle a significant volume of Odisha’s paddy and rice processing.

The association alleged that they safeguard the paddy in the godowns for more than one year, far beyond the agreed two-month period. But they have not received any payment for expenses incurred for the same.

Sources said around Rs 400 crore is pending from the Government.