Unsold paddy linked to gate passes sparks probe in Karnal

Days after no action was taken on the alleged deletion of gate passes during paddy procurement in various grain markets, another case has surfaced. Gate passes for nearly 7,500 quintals of paddy were issued, but the government portal still lists this paddy as unsold.

Will investigate

I have received the report from the Deputy Commissioner of Karnal regarding the deletion of gate passes. It will be probed thoroughly. — Mukesh Ahuja, chief administrator, hsamb

Interestingly, over a month after the procurement season ended on November 15, no physical stock of this paddy is available in the grain markets, raising serious concerns about irregularities.

An official of the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board (HSAMB) clarified that gate passes are only generated for farmers who physically bring their produce to the market. “No gate pass can be issued without the physical arrival of paddy,” the official said.

Data shows the unsold paddy is distributed across Taraori (1,200 quintals), Nissing (800 quintals), Karnal (3,000 quintals), Gharaunda (400 quintals) and Assandh (1,900 quintals). Sources suggest a thorough investigation could expose lapses or cases of market tax evasion, as the unsold list includes names and numbers of farmers and arhtiyas.

Previously, The Tribune reported deletion of gate passes for 98,000 quintals of paddy across nine grain markets, along with instances where multiple gate passes were issued within seconds — a practice deemed unfeasible by experts. In Taraori, gate passes were allegedly issued without vehicle arrivals. Experts suspect the involvement of market committee employees and officials in these irregularities.

“Despite the gravity of these findings, authorities have yet to take action. The delay in addressing the issues raises questions,” said an official.

Market committee secretaries have started issuing notices to arhtiyas for clarification on the unsold paddy. “I have issued notices to arhtiyas for clarification of the unsold paddy. Further action will be taken after their reply,” said Sanjiv Sachdeva, secretary, Karnal Market Committee.

Mukesh Ahuja, Chief Administrator of HSAMB, acknowledged the issue. “I have received the report from the Deputy Commissioner of Karnal regarding the deletion of gate passes. It will be probed thoroughly,” he stated.