Gurnam Singh Charuni visits mandis, alleges irregularities in procurement

BKU (Charuni) president Gurnam Singh Charuni on Thursday alleged irregularities in the ongoing procurement of paddy. He alleged that paddy from Uttar Pradesh at lower prices is being brought to different grain markets of the state.

“Large-scale irregularities are taking place in the procurement process. Paddy is being brought from UP to Haryana grain markets and sold here allegedly in connivance of rice mill owners. There is a nexus between some millers and officials. If a fair investigation is conducted, a major scam will come to light,” said Charuni while talking to mediapersons at Karnal grain market.

Besides Karnal, he visited Taraori grain market and interacted with farmers. Charuni also met officials of the market committees and expressed concern over problems being faced by the farmers during the paddy procurement season.

He expressed concern over the situation in various grain markets, including Taraori and Karnal.

“I visited Taraori and Karnal markets, where the arrival of crops has increased significantly, but lifting is not being done in time. The farmers are waiting for days in the mandis and the Administration seems to be ignoring their plight,” he added.

Charuni also alleged manipulation in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system.

“Kachi parchi (raw slip) is being issued to farmers, showing prices below the MSP, while payment is being transferred into their accounts, as per the MSP. Now, the farmers are being compelled to return the balance between the payment shown on the raw slip and the amount transferred into their accounts,” said Charuni.

He added that this is a big scam as actual payment to farmers is being reduced through unfair practices.

Charuni claimed that scores of trucks loaded with paddy are entering Haryana daily from UP and despite complaints, no strict action has been taken against the illegal practice. He urged officials to take immediate and strict action wherever such irregularities are found. “If such cases are detected, immediate action must be taken against those responsible,” he demanded.

Accusing the government and the administration of turning a blind eye to the farmers’ problems, Charuni warned that if the issues are not resolved soon, the farmers may be forced to launch a large-scale agitation.