Amid ‘irregularities’ in paddy purchase, Karnal DC orders checking of rice mills

Taking note of the reports highlighting alleged discrepancies between the actual purchase of paddy and the stock maintained by certain rice millers during the ongoing procurement season, Deputy Commissioner Uttam Singh has directed all Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) to conduct immediate verification of paddy stocks in rice mills across the district.

The directions come in the wake of multiple reports suggesting that some millers may have inflated their stock records, raising concerns over large-scale irregularities in the procurement process.

Besides, the DC, in his letter to all SDMs, directed for cross-verification of physical stock against official records, including procurement, milling and dispatch logs to detect inconsistencies.

“It has come to my notice from various reports that there are discrepancies between the actual purchase of paddy and the stock maintained by some rice millers during the current season. To ensure transparency and accountability in the procurement and milling process, it is essential to conduct a thorough physical verification of paddy stocks lying in the premises of millers under the jurisdiction of the SDMs concerned,” said DC Singh.

Each SDM has been asked to form joint inspection teams comprising revenue officers, AFSOs, food inspectors, and other relevant personnel to begin the exercise without delay. “Any discrepancy or irregularity found should be documented in detail, supported with photographs, records, and specific observations, and submitted to my office after completion,” the DC added.

The Tribune has recently reported a sharp spike in paddy arrivals in grain markets compared to the previous season. Farmer leaders have alleged that paddy from UP and other states is being brought into Haryana at cheaper rates and shown as local produce through alleged use of ‘fake gate passes’ and fake entries of farmers in the record of Meri Fasal, Mera Byora (MFMB) portal.

Farmers had claimed that bogus entries on the MFMB portal are being used to generate these gate passes, allowing illegally procured paddy to be adjusted in local records.

“This manipulation not only distorts procurement figures but also undermines the interest of genuine local farmers,” said one farmer leader.

Meanwhile, a delegation of rice millers met the DC, urging the administration to defer the verification drive, citing ongoing procurement pressure.

“At present, we are fully engaged in procurement. Conducting physical verification now would divert our attention,” said a miller, adding that they had purchased paddy with moisture content up to 25 percent, higher than the prescribed 17 percent limit, which could result in shrinkage after drying.

“We are not against verification, but we should be given some time,” the delegation urged.

Sources revealed that such malpractices are not new, as similar incidents of fake procurement and gate pass manipulation have surfaced in previous years, leading to the suspension of several officials.