Paddy worth 2.92 cr unaccounted Storage sheds lay vacant

 

 

 

 

A major irregularity has come to light in the paddy procurement process at the Ganjhiyadih sub-centre under Konpara. According to documents from Jashpurnagar Marketing Department, paddy worth nearly Rs 2.92 crore is unaccounted for, yet no decisive action has been taken against those responsible. Official records as of August 27 indicate that the sub-centre was required to hand over 12,727.03 quintals of paddy approximately 31,817 bags to millers. Valued at the prevailing rate of Rs 23 per kg, this stock is estimated at Rs 2,92,71,640. However, a recent visit to the centre revealed that no stock was available.

 

The storage sheds lay vacant, weeds had overgrown the compound, and only staff were present in the office. The procurement in-charge, Kamal Yadav, is alleged to have overseen the disappearance of the stock. Attempts to reach him for a comment were unsuccessful. A computer operator at the centre declined to share details without proper authorization. Despite the complete absence of stock on the ground, delivery orders (DOs) for the entire consignment have been issued to millers. This has raised serious questions about the integrity of the monitoring mechanism, as a physical verification of the stock before issuing DOs appears to have been overlooked.

 

The irregularities have brought the effectiveness of the state’s monitoring and inspection system under intense scrutiny. Each year, lakhs of rupees are spent to ensure transparency and vigilance at procurement centers. District Marketing Officers and other senior officials are mandated to conduct regular inspections. However, in this case, paddy worth crores has gone missing without timely intervention.

 

The procurement season for 2024-25 closed in January 2025. Six months later, the paddy has neither been delivered to millers nor remains in storage, pointing towards systemic lapses. The lack of accountability and the silence from officials raise concerns about a potential cover-up in this high-profile case. Farsabahar Sub-Divisional Officer (Revenue) Omkareshwar Singh said, “a complaint regarding the Ganjiyadih centre was received by the Collector. A probe team was formed, and the investigation has been completed. Submission of the report is pending. Physical verification of the centre has also been conducted.

 

” That such a development has occurred in the CM’s constituency has become a matter of public concern. Citizens point out that if such lapses can occur here, conditions in other districts could be worse. Despite clear indications of large-scale irregularities, no FIR has been registered, no recovery has been initiated, and no accountability fixed. The silence of authorities has raised doubts about whether the administration is attempting to shield those responsible. The continued inaction, despite documentary evidence, has cast a shadow on the credibility of the system