Baba Farid Mela: Faridkot administration officials accused of collusion amid fair’s unauthorised shift to private contractor

The annual entertainment fair organised during Baba Farid’s arrival celebrations in Faridkot has turned into a major controversy this year, exposing the district administration to charges of collusion and negligence.

Citing the devastating floods in Punjab, the administration had earlier cancelled the fair on “humanitarian grounds” to express solidarity with flood-affected families. But in a dramatic reversal, the same fair is now being held — without tender and without official sanction to a private contractor — under political pressure.

Traditionally organised by the Red Cross Society, the fair generates an annual income of Rs 50-60 lakh, which is used for welfare schemes. Last year, revenues stood at Rs 60 lakh. This year, however, the Red Cross’s income is zero, while a contractor who secured the mandi premises for just Rs 88,000 for 11 days stands to pocket lakhs.

District Red Cross Society mainly relies on this income for the last many years for its annual expenses, said a senior functionary in the district administration. But this time, the income is zero.

The Sadiq Road grain market, where paddy procurement is about to begin, has been leased for the fair. While the state government had ordered that mandis remain free for procurement operations, the Market Committee allowed the contractor to set up swings, rides and stalls in the same yard.

In previous years, the Red Cross fair saw full deployment of police and civil officials to manage the massive crowds. This time, with the fair area reduced to barely 25 percent of its earlier size but with similar footfall expected, there is no clarity on who will be accountable in case of an accident.

Amandeep Singh Baba, chairman of the Market Committee, Faridkot, confirmed that the mandi land had been allotted for the fair. He termed it a routine decision. Baba claimed that any person has the right to take the market committee on rent subject to its availability. He said as there was delay in the arrival of paddy this season, so there will be no shortage of space.

However, the district administration had not granted any approval for the fair and pointed out that prohibitory orders banning public functions without sanction remain in force until October 14.

Regarding the law and order situation, Baba said it was the responsibility of the mela organisers.

Many residents accused the administration of collusion with private operators. “Had this been tendered through Red Cross, lakhs could have gone to flood victims. Instead, officials and political patrons have chosen to help a contractor profit at public cost,” said local resident Aman Warring, demanding a probe.