New Delhi, Feb 4 (PTI) – Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi on Tuesday asserted that there is no corruption in the foodgrain procurement process, with farmers receiving 100% of their payments directly into their bank accounts.
Responding to concerns raised in the Rajya Sabha regarding alleged corruption and middlemen exploitation in the procurement system, Joshi dismissed the claims, stating that the process has been streamlined under the current government. He specifically countered allegations made by Congress MP Digvijaya Singh, suggesting that Singh was referring to corruption during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) tenure.
During the Question Hour, Upendra Kushwaha, an MP from Bihar’s Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM), raised concerns about middlemen manipulating the system and depriving farmers of their rightful payments. He claimed that third-party agents were entering the procurement process and diverting funds meant for farmers.
Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge also voiced concerns over the procurement system, highlighting the role of daily-wage laborers who act as intermediaries between procurement agencies and the government, which, he claimed, led to corruption.
Government's Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Ensures Transparency
In response, Joshi emphasized that the government ensures all payments are made directly to farmers through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism, eliminating the possibility of corruption."We transfer money directly to farmers within 48 hours through DBT. Earlier, only 15 paise of every rupee sent by the Centre reached the beneficiary, but now, under the Modi government, the entire amount reaches farmers' accounts," Joshi stated.
He further claimed that under the current administration, every grain brought by farmers is being procured, ensuring their financial security.
Comparison of Procurement Under UPA and Modi Governments
Highlighting the achievements of the Modi government (2014-2024) in comparison to the UPA government (2004-2014), Joshi shared key statistics:- Paddy procurement:
- UPA (2004-2014): 4,590 LMT
- Modi government (2014-2024): 6,899 LMT
- Wheat procurement:
- UPA (2004-2014): 2,140 LMT
- Modi government (2014-2024): 3,072.58 LMT
- Total payments to farmers for paddy procurement:
- UPA: ₹4,40,498 crore (10 years)
- Modi government: ₹12,51,403 crore (three times higher)
- Total payments for wheat procurement:
- UPA: ₹2,26,817 crore
- Modi government: ₹5,44,324 crore (2.5 times higher)
His statements come amid ongoing debates over procurement policies and farmer welfare, with opposition leaders continuing to allege corruption in the system. However, the Centre maintains that its DBT mechanism has revolutionized transparency and accountability in the agricultural sector.