Congress Unveils Major Scandal in Odisha's Paddy Procurement System
Synopsis
The Congress party claims to have uncovered a significant scam in Odisha's paddy procurement system, alleging collusion among millers, officials, and the state minister, which has harmed thousands of farmers. Immediate government intervention is demanded to rectify the situation.
Key Takeaways
Allegations of a major scam in Odisha's paddy procurement.
Involvement of millers and government officials .
Over 1.13 lakh farmers unable to sell their paddy.
Claims of an 80:20 formula affecting farmers' earnings.
Potential losses exceeding Rs 1,500 crore .
Bhubaneswar, March 31 (NationPress) The Congress party has brought to light a significant scandal within Odisha's paddy procurement system during the Kharif season, reportedly at the expense of local farmers. The party alleges a conspiracy involving rice millers, government officials, and the state’s Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister.
During a press conference held on Tuesday, Abhay Kumar Sahu, President of Pradesh Kisan Congress, along with senior Congress member Sudarshan Das, stated that procurement irregularities have resulted in thousands of farmers losing out on fair compensation. They highlighted that despite established procurement goals, around 1.13 lakh farmers still have not been able to sell their paddy, signaling severe flaws in the system.
The Congress is demanding that the state government take prompt action to facilitate the procurement of paddy from these 1.13 lakh farmers who have registered to sell their produce. The leaders accused a network involving rice millers, officials from the Food Supplies Department, and cooperative societies of manipulating and misdirecting funds.
According to senior Congress leader Das, there is an “80:20 formula” in the paddy procurement process statewide. Farmers are allegedly promised that their entire yield will be purchased, but they end up receiving payments for the full amount and are coerced into returning 20 percent of their earnings to the millers, leading to significant financial losses.
The allegations extend to arbitrary deductions, where millers are reportedly taking off 10–11 kg per quintal. Based on procurement figures exceeding 76.84 lakh metric tonnes, the Congress claims that such deductions could mean approximately 6 lakh metric tonnes of excess paddy taken from farmers, valued at over Rs 1,500 crore.
Leaders also cited specific examples, including a cooperative society in Jaleswar where irregularities amounted to about Rs 46.5 lakh, stating that similar unethical practices are widespread among the state's 4,277 cooperative societies.
The Congress further asserts that this ongoing scam is occurring with the awareness of the relevant minister and involves officials and leaders from the ruling party.
The party has called for immediate corrective actions and has threatened to initiate a statewide protest in April should the government fail to procure paddy from all farmers and address the alleged corruption in the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the allegations made by the Congress party regarding the paddy procurement system in Odisha?
The Congress party alleges a significant scam involving collusion among rice millers, government officials, and the state minister, depriving thousands of farmers of fair earnings.
How many farmers are reportedly affected by these irregularities?
Approximately 1.13 lakh farmers are said to be affected, still unable to sell their paddy despite procurement targets.
What is the '80:20 formula' mentioned in the Congress's allegations?
The '80:20 formula' refers to a practice where farmers are promised full payment for their produce but are coerced to return 20% of their earnings to millers.
What financial impact do the alleged deductions have on farmers?
The Congress claims that arbitrary deductions of 10-11 kg per quintal could lead to a loss of approximately 6 lakh metric tonnes of paddy valued over Rs 1,500 crore.
What actions is the Congress party threatening if the government does not respond?
The Congress party has warned of a statewide agitation in April if the government fails to procure paddy from all farmers and address the alleged corruption.
