This is an archive article published on December 7, 2024
Bengal govt releases SOP for paddy procurement, warns of strict action in case of violation
The state Cabinet has already approved the target of procuring 68 Lakh Metric Ton (LMT) paddy in 2025 at an estimated expenditure of Rs 18,261.17 crore.
The West Bengal food department recently released a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for paddy procurement in 2025. The move came amid complaints of large-scale corruption in paddy procurement in the state in the last few years.
The Cabinet has already approved the target of procuring 68 Lakh Metric Ton (LMT) paddy in 2025 at an estimated expenditure of Rs 18,261.17 crore. It also approved a sum of Rs 15,734 crore for paying the Minimum Support Price (MSP) to farmers.
The SOP states, “The Government purchases paddy at MSP to support the small and marginal farmers. It is our responsibility to make the process, proactive, easier, farmer-friendly, and smooth…”
On the paddy procurement limit, the SOP notes, “Farmers should be allowed to sell up to 30 quintals of paddy (one harvesting season), irrespective of land holdings, with a maximum of 90 quintals per farmer for the entire procurement season (year), depending on the size of their land. No local limits or conditions should be imposed either on the quantity of paddy which a farmer can sell or on the procurement process.”
The state government also asked superintendents of police to provide adequate security at procurement centres and prohibited the entry of unauthorised persons at any procurement centre.
“Strict Action Against Non-Compliance: Any bad practices or non-compliance at procurement centres should be reported to the DM/ADM/SDO and DCFS, and strong action should be taken against the purchase officers, rice mills, or any unauthorized persons or miscreants involved in malpractice,” the SOP adds.
Last year, the food department failed to procure 70 LMT paddy required for the ration system in the state.
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A senior official of the food department said, “Last year, the enrolment of farmers and rice mills was low. This year, the government has already asked to increase these numbers. On the other hand, many corrupt practices were reported last year, such as farmers getting payment for only 22 kg of paddy after procurement of 25 kg. To curb such practices, the government has formulated an SOP and strict action will be taken if there is any violation.”
Atri Mitra is a highly accomplished Special Correspondent for The Indian Express, bringing over 20 years of experience to his reporting. His work is characterized by deep regional knowledge and a focus on critical administrative and political developments, establishing strong Expertise and Authority in his domain.
Experience
Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express.
Decades of Experience: Over two decades of extensive reporting experience, primarily covering administration and political news.
Geographical Focus: Holds significant reporting experience from West Bengal, Bihar, and the North-East, providing a comprehensive understanding of the socio-political landscape in these regions.
Key Coverage: Has dedicated more than ten years to covering administration and political news, with a keen focus on political developments in West Bengal.
Electoral Reporting: Demonstrated a commitment to crucial political moments, having covered the 2009 Lok Sabha election and 2010 assembly elections during his time at Anandabazar Patrika, and the 2019 Bihar Lok Sabha election while working with News18-Bangla.
Career Foundation: Began his career at the leading vernacular daily Anandabazar Patrika, where he worked for more than fifteen years, including a three-year stint as the Bihar correspondent.
Education
Advanced Degree: Holds a Master's degree in Economics from Rabindrabharati University, providing an analytical framework for his political and administrative reporting.
Undergraduate Education: Holds a Bachelor's degree from Calcutta University.
Prestigious Alumni: His educational background includes attending esteemed institutions: he is an alumnus of St. Xavier's, Kolkata and Ramakrishna Mission Asrama, Narendrapur.
Atri Mitra's decades of dedicated reporting, substantial focus on political and administrative beats, and solid academic credentials make him a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis from Eastern and North-Eastern India. ... Read More
