Malda farmers protest against corruption at rice procurement center, alleging broker rule and hidden charges

Farmers in Malda’s Harishchandrapur 1 block have raised significant concerns about alleged malpractice and corruption at the Tulsihta government rice procurement center. The farmers claim that mill owners are taking 5 to 7 kg of dirt from every quintal of rice, which is affecting the quality and weight of their harvest. They allege that the rice is being weighed inaccurately, with only the clean rice being recorded while the dirt is discarded, leading to farmers being paid for less than what they deliver.

In addition to the weight discrepancies, farmers report being charged hidden fees for other services at the center. These include extra payments for obtaining receipts (slips) and for vehicle loading. These charges, which range from 100 rupees for loading and slip issuance, are reportedly not officially documented, leading to further financial strain on the farmers. The protestors claim that these illegal charges are being demanded by middlemen and center officials involved in the procurement process.

The situation has sparked accusations that a broker network is controlling the procurement process. Farmers allege that brokers are involved in taking a cut for facilitating transactions between them and the rice mills. This involvement of brokers, who are allegedly manipulating the procurement procedure for their benefit, has raised suspicions about the transparency and fairness of the system.

Alimuddin, one of the protesting farmers, shared his experience, saying, “I brought 15 quintals and 85 kg of rice to the center. They recorded only 15 quintals and discarded 85 kg of dirt. They are also charging extra money for the slip and vehicle loading.” Similar complaints have been voiced by other farmers, who say they are facing issues with both the weight of their rice and additional charges.

Political reactions to the protests have been mixed. Opposition parties have accused the ruling Trinamool government of being complicit in enabling the alleged corruption. They claim that the procurement centers, which were meant to ensure fair prices for farmers, are instead benefiting middlemen and political allies. They also argue that the system is contributing to widespread exploitation, with the money allegedly flowing into the hands of a few.

In response to these allegations, the ruling Trinamool party has stated that the procurement centers were created to assist farmers by providing a fair and regulated process. The government maintains that if any illegal activities are found, the administration will take appropriate action. They have assured that investigations will be conducted to ensure that the procurement process remains transparent and free from corruption.

As the protests continue, local leaders and farmer unions have called for immediate government intervention. They have urged the administration to investigate the complaints thoroughly and implement measures to ensure transparency in the rice procurement process. These include improving the monitoring system at procurement centers, eliminating illegal charges, and cracking down on broker involvement. The outcome of these protests could have significant implications for the future of the state’s rice procurement system.