Former CM Hooda slams Haryana govt over biometric verification during wheat procurement

Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister (CM) Bhupinder Singh Hooda launched a sharp attack on the state government for initiating biometric verification for wheat procurement. He demanded that the government end the biometric system.

While visiting the Karnal grain market on Friday, Hooda raised multiple concerns related to farmers and wheat procurement.

“It is the government's duty to respect and support farmers, but the current situation reflects the opposite. We strongly criticise the mandatory biometric system introduced for wheat procurement and demand its immediate withdrawal,” said Hooda while interacting with media persons.

He maintained that instead of facilitating farmers, the biometric system is creating unnecessary hurdles and increasing their difficulties in mandis.

Hooda also alleged widespread mismanagement in mandis across the state. He termed processes such as portal registration, issuance of gate passes, biometric verification, tractor number requirements, and crop verification as an “unnecessary burden” on farmers. “These conditions are forcing farmers to wait for days to sell their produce,” he said.

Hooda said that the region has suffered extensive damage due to unseasonal rains and hailstorms. “The government must immediately conduct a special girdawari (crop assessment) and provide compensation to farmers,” he said.

Hooda alleged that the government committed a scam during paddy procurement in the previous season, followed by another in potato procurement, and that similar conspiracies now appear to be unfolding in the procurement of wheat and mustard as well. “The BJP government seems determined not to let a single opportunity to fleece farmers slip through its fingers,” he added.

Comparing the present situation with the pre-2014 period, Hooda said Haryana once ranked number one in law and order, sports, per capita income, and employment generation.

“Haryana had reached the top due to the hard work of farmers, labourers, and traders, but today, whether it is law and order or other sectors, the situation has deteriorated,” he said.

After inspecting the mandi, Hooda pointed out that large quantities of wheat were lying in the open. “Farmers are already suffering due to rain, and on top of that, neither proper procurement nor lifting is taking place,” he said, highlighting the hardships being faced by farmers.

He criticised the administration for inadequate arrangements, stating that delays in procurement and lifting could lead to further damage to wheat lying in the mandi. Hooda emphasised that timely procurement and immediate lifting are essential to prevent losses to farmers.

Interacting with farmers, he listened to their grievances regarding moisture content, delayed payments, and lack of proper facilities in the mandi. Farmers complained that due to rain and mismanagement, their produce is at risk of spoilage.

When asked about the meeting of two Congress MLAs, who allegedly cross-voted in the recently held Rajya Sabha elections, with CM Nayab Singh Saini, Hooda said that such meetings were expected after cross-voting.