 Early Times Report
CHANDIGARH, Feb 27: Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Friday factually rejected the Opposition's allegation of a Rs. 5,000 crore scam in paddy procurement, stating that the Opposition, having no substantive issues to raise, is attempting to mislead the House with unverified claims by introducing calling attention motion on this issue. Responding to the allegations made by MLA, Sh. Ashok Arora, the Chief Minister, said that such serious accusations should be supported by credible evidence. He urged the Opposition to place any proof before the House instead of making unfounded assertions. He clarified that paddy procurement in Haryana is conducted strictly in accordance with Government of India guidelines through authorized agencies and is monitored under a robust, multi-layered system. The claim of a Rs. 5,000 crore scam, he said, is entirely without factual basis.
Drawing a comparison with previous governments, the Chief Minister apprised the House that in earlier times, systemic gaps often led to irregularities that adversely affected farmers. In contrast, under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, the Double Engine Government, has implemented structural reforms to enhance transparency, accountability and farmer welfare. Farmers today, he said, have clarity regarding their income and are assured procurement of their produce at the Minimum Support Price.
Highlighting reforms introduced by the present government, he noted that the procurement system has been digitized from the farm level, including the introduction of a digital gate-pass mechanism to enhance transparency. He also emphasized that while farmers previously had to wait for months, sometimes even up to a year, to receive payments, the current system ensures timely disbursement.
The Chief Minister further said that if any instance of fake slips, duplicate entries or other irregularities has been detected, the government has acted promptly and firmly. Unlike in the past, when irregularities often went unchecked, the present system identifies discrepancies and ensures corrective action. He said that farmers are not concerned; rather, it is the Opposition that appears unsettled. He asked them to clarify what action they had taken against irregularities during their tenure. At the same time, the Chief Minister invited constructive suggestions, assuring that the government remains open to positive inputs aimed at strengthening the procurement process.
Reaffirming the government's commitment to transparency and accountability, he said that procurement operations - from the arrival of paddy in mandis to the return of rice from millers - are monitored at every stage. Complaints received are being examined, and any wrongdoing will invite strict action. He reiterated that the government will not tolerate irregularities and remains committed to continuously strengthening the system to safeguard farmers' interests.
During the Opposition's tenure, irregularities were rampant and rarely detected.
The Chief Minister stated that paddy procurement is carried out through government agencies in strict accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Government of India, with the entire process monitored through a multi-tier mechanism. This system had been in place for years; however, the present government has introduced significant reforms. |
