Divya Delhi: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann requested Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi's involvement to release the state's delayed ₹9,000 crore allocation for Rural Development Fund (RDF) and Market Fees. The Chief Minister discussed the subject of RDF non-allowance since KMS 2021–22 and Market Fee insufficient allowance since RMS 2022–23 during a meeting at his residence. The Chief Minister stressed that RDF promotes agriculture and rural infrastructure, including rural roads, marketing infrastructure, mandi storage facilities, and automation and mechanization. Despite modifying the Punjab Rural Development Act, 1987, to follow DFPD criteria, the RDF has not been released since KMS 2021–22. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Union Government has yet to pay ₹7,737.27 crore under RDF and ₹1,836.62 crore under Market Fees. The Chief Minister said this non-reimbursement has hurt rural infrastructure and the economy. He claimed the Mandi Board and Rural Development Board struggle to repay debts, maintain infrastructure, and build new rural development institutions. Bhagwant Singh Mann requested the Union Minister to disburse the cash immediately in the public interest.