Suspicious procurement practices prompt scrutiny in Karnal's mandis

The procurement process in several grain markets across the district has come under the lens of the district administration due to suspicious activities, including a sudden rise in arrival and procurement. Despite the district administration halting procurement on October 20 to streamline the lifting process in these markets, procurement continued in a couple of grain markets, indicating potential discrepancies.

Authorities suspect the spike may be linked to fraudulent 'proxy procurement practices,' wherein fake gate passes are generated and procurement records manipulated to benefit certain rice millers and arhtiyas, possibly with the help of officials from the marketing board and procurement agencies. An official of the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board noted that the issuance of fake gate passes is widespread across various grain markets in the state, allowing the adjustment of already procured paddy or PDS rice from other states at lower rates. This rice is further delivered to the Food Corporation of India (FCI) under the custom-milled rice (CMR) policy at the minimum support price (MSP).

As of October 24, the district has recorded an arrival of 768,617 MT of paddy in different grain markets. The Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Department has purchased 514,475 MT, while Hafed has procured 152,875 MT, and the Haryana State Warehousing Corporation (HSWC) has secured 101,267 MT.

The Assandh grain market has received 112,612 MT of paddy, while Gharaunda recorded 88,351 MT, Indri 75,840 MT, Jundla 52,872 MT, Karnal 133,496 MT, Kunjpura 206,227 MT, Nigdhu 37,015 MT, Nilokheri 13,434 MT, Nissing 118,312 MT, and Taraori 95,879 MT.

Notably, the Indri market recorded procurement on October 20, despite the official suspension, purchasing 2,474 MT on the same day. The arrival and procurement in other grain markets are also under scrutiny due to sudden increases.

Deputy Commissioner Uttam Singh has issued a warning of strict action against anyone found involved in corrupt activities, assigning Additional Deputy Commissioner Yash Jaluka to monitor the procurement process and ensure close scrutiny of gate pass issuance.

“We are carefully examining the issuance of gate passes and reviewing the arrival and procurement in all grain markets. Action will be taken if any irregularities are detected,” confirmed ADC Yash Jaluka, adding that vigil has been heightened to prevent misuse and ensure fair procurement practices across the district. “We are checking the data of a couple of grain markets,” he noted.