Jamshedpur: State agriculture minister Banna Gupta today issued orders to probe alleged irregularities in the functioning of Parsudih Krishi Bazar Samiti while admitting that brokers and middlemen had taken over the various Krishi Bazar Samitis across the state.
The Jamshedpur West MLA, who paid a surprise inspection visit to Krishi Bazar Samiti premises at Parsudih, said he had ordered a departmental investigation into various discrepancies in the functioning of the Samiti. Gupta was accompanied by the sub divisional officer (SDO) of Dhalbhum Prem Ranjan.
“Several trucks were found to be parked at the Samiti precincts. I personally checked some of the vehicles and found that no documents could be shown by their owners and drivers.
This is ample proof of violation of government guidelines meant to be followed strictly by all Krishi Bazar Samitis,” the minister said. Gupta did not rule out the possibility of a nexus between government officials concerned and middlemen in corrupt practices including illegal sale and supply of foodgrains without permit.
He said he had received complaints that many trucks carrying foodgrain were unloaded in the market instead of Bazar Samiti premises.
�The very purpose of Krishi Bazar Samiti is to ensure proper storage of foodgrains and welfare of farmers. Shockingly a godown has been allotted to store liquor on the Samiti premises. A liquor shop is also there which is a flagrant violation of norms,� said the minister.
Gupta went on to add that it would be his top priority to increase revenue generation and improve basic infrastructure for Bazar Samitis all over the state. He further rubbished demands to do away with Krishi Bazar Samitis. He said efforts should be made to make the Samitis a tool to churn more revenue and ensure welfare of farmers.
In all, there are 28 Krishi Bazar Samitis in the state at present. Out of them, only the Samitis in Ranchi, Dhanbad and Jamshedpur are making profit, said Gupta. Ranchi Krishi Bazar Samiti has made a profit of Rs 24 crore while Dhanbad and Jamshedpur have made profits of Rs 8 crore and Rs 11 crore respectively, said Gupta.