Bhadrak (Odisha), Feb 3 (PTI): In a dramatic move to expose irregularities in paddy procurement, Bhadrak District Collector Dilip Routrai visited a mandi in Odisha’s Dhamnagar block disguised as a farmer. His undercover operation at the Katasahi procurement center revealed malpractices in the assessment of paddy quality, prompting immediate action against the officials involved.
Dressed casually with a face mask to conceal his identity, Routrai parked his vehicle at a distance before walking into the mandi on Saturday. His visit was triggered by persistent complaints from farmers regarding ‘katni-chhatni’, a practice where undue deductions in paddy weight are made under the pretext of quality assessment.
To verify these allegations firsthand, the collector attempted to sell paddy at the mandi. The cooperative official in charge informed him that nearly 8 kg of paddy would be deducted as wastage—a practice widely criticized by farmers.
“Repeated complaints about unfair deductions compelled me to take this step,” Routrai told reporters. Following his discovery, he promptly issued a show-cause notice to the officer concerned and warned all paddy procurement officials against indulging in such irregularities.
“Strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty of these malpractices,” Routrai asserted, urging officials to ensure fair and transparent dealings with farmers.
The district administration's proactive approach has been widely appreciated by the farming community, who hope for stricter monitoring and accountability in paddy procurement centers across the region.
Dressed casually with a face mask to conceal his identity, Routrai parked his vehicle at a distance before walking into the mandi on Saturday. His visit was triggered by persistent complaints from farmers regarding ‘katni-chhatni’, a practice where undue deductions in paddy weight are made under the pretext of quality assessment.
To verify these allegations firsthand, the collector attempted to sell paddy at the mandi. The cooperative official in charge informed him that nearly 8 kg of paddy would be deducted as wastage—a practice widely criticized by farmers.
“Repeated complaints about unfair deductions compelled me to take this step,” Routrai told reporters. Following his discovery, he promptly issued a show-cause notice to the officer concerned and warned all paddy procurement officials against indulging in such irregularities.
“Strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty of these malpractices,” Routrai asserted, urging officials to ensure fair and transparent dealings with farmers.
The district administration's proactive approach has been widely appreciated by the farming community, who hope for stricter monitoring and accountability in paddy procurement centers across the region.
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