BKU protests in Karnal over delay in digital scales, paddy procurement

Farmers under the banner of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) staged a dharna outside the Karnal market committee on Friday, alleging negligence by the government and officials in paddy procurement and in implementing the state’s order to install digital weighing machines in grain markets.

The protest was led by district president Surender Singh Ghumman, while state president Rattan Mann launched a sharp attack on the government. “It is shameful that despite being a farmer himself, Chief Minister Nayab Saini has failed to address the plight of farmers. He should step into the field and review the situation personally,” Mann said.

He alleged a nexus between marketing board officials and commission agents for delaying the installation of digital weighing machines. Warning the administration, Mann said, “If arrangements for digital scales and proper procurement of paddy are not ensured by Monday, we will lock the main gate of the Karnal market committee from Tuesday, and the administration will be held responsible.”

Mann, along with district general secretary Surender Beniwal, spokesperson Surender Sagwan, Mehtab Kadian, and others, urged farmers to insist on digital weighing of their produce. “Do not fear anyone. If an agent refuses, file a written complaint at the market committee office,” he told farmers.

Meanwhile, BKU Gharaunda unit president Dhaneter Singh Rana announced a similar protest in the Gharaunda grain market on Saturday over the non-installation of digital scales. “Market committee officials will be asked to explain the delay,” he said.

When contacted, Asha Rani, secretary of the Karnal market committee, said state government directions had already been conveyed to commission agents. “Only one heap of paddy was found as per the prescribed moisture limit and was procured by the agency on Friday,” she added.