Kumar Bahukhandi
The action taken is being viewed as a strong message to procurement staff across the state, amid efforts by the Chhattisgarh government to ensure fair prices for farmers and prevent leakage or manipulation in the system-Representational Image ( Internet)
Government committed to transparent paddy procurement system under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai
Raipur: Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the Chhattisgarh government remains fully committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and discipline in the paddy procurement system.
The government’s policy is unequivocal—any irregularity, negligence, or malpractice at any level of paddy procurement and storage will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
During the Kharif Marketing Year 2024–25, a total of 12,72,389.56 quintals of paddy was stored at the Sarda–Lenzwara paddy storage centre in Bemetara district. As per the directions of the Bemetara Collector, a joint inspection team comprising officials from the Revenue Department, Food Department, MARKFED, Civil Supplies Corporation, Cooperative Department, Agricultural Produce Market Committee, and the District Central Cooperative Bank, Durg, was constituted to conduct physical verification and quality testing of the stored paddy.
The joint inspection team carried out physical verification of the Sarda–Lenzwara storage centre on December 31, 2025. During the inspection, it was found that the paddy stacks were not intact, the bags were scattered in a disorganised manner, and there was a significant discrepancy between the online stock records and the paddy physically available at the site.
The inspection revealed a shortage of 4,209.19 quintals of coarse paddy and 49,430.03 quintals of Sarna paddy, amounting to a total shortage of 53,639.22 quintals was detected. A detailed inspection report has been submitted to the government for necessary action.
Based on the findings of the inspection report, the District Marketing Officer, Bemetara, has issued suspension orders of Nitish Pathak, In-charge of the Sarda–Lenzwara storage centre, from all responsibilities with effect from January 14, 2026, and has initiated suspension and departmental inquiry proceedings against him.
To ensure continuity of administrative arrangements, Hemant Kumar Dewangan, Area Assistant, has been appointed as In-charge of the Lenzwara (Sarda) paddy storage centre as well as the Bemetara storage centre until further orders. These orders have come into effect with immediate effect.
During the physical verification, a total of 11,648.62 quintals of paddy was found physically available at the Sarda and Lenzwara centres, out of which 3,000 quintals have already been lifted. The lifting process of the remaining available stock is being carried out continuously in accordance with prescribed norms.
The inspection also revealed that paddy was stored in plastic bags at the storage centres, which is in violation of prescribed standards. All these aspects have been included within the scope of the departmental inquiry.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the state government has conveyed a clear message: “Every grain of paddy will be procured, farmers will receive full payment on time, but those involved in any irregularities at any level will face the strictest possible action.”
The government is working with utmost firmness and sensitivity to ensure a transparent, accountable, and farmer-friendly paddy procurement system in the State .
