Haryana CM Saini Vows to Buy Every Grain from Farmers, Orders FIRs in Paddy Purchase Frauds

Chandigarh, October 25 — Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to purchasing every grain produced by farmers, ensuring complete transparency in the ongoing paddy and millet procurement process. He warned that those attempting to defraud the government under the guise of procurement would face strict legal action, including FIRs.

Presiding over a high-level review meeting with senior officials, Saini emphasized that the government would not compromise on farmers’ interests. All deputy commissioners and police superintendents participated in the meeting virtually. The review covered the e-procurement system, farmers’ grievances, and on-ground conditions in grain markets.

The Chief Minister directed officials to file FIRs against employees and officers already suspended for irregularities detected in the e-purchase system, auction registers, and gate pass processes in Kanina and Kosli grain markets.

According to official data presented at the meeting, Haryana has procured 52.18 lakh metric tonnes of paddy from 2.66 lakh farmers since procurement began on October 22. Payments amounting to ₹10,204.98 crore have already been credited to farmers’ accounts. Additionally, state procurement agencies have purchased 291.10 metric tonnes of millet, while private traders have procured 3.99 lakh metric tonnes.

Officials also reported cases of illegal paddy entry from neighboring states and irregularities in gate pass scanning. In response, the government has initiated strict checks, with physical verification of rice mills allotted paddy in Ambala, Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, and Kaithal districts.

CM Saini issued firm directions to ensure the presence of technical staff in markets for smooth gate pass scanning and verification. He ordered that gate passes be scanned only within the designated market area and that misuse of the system be thoroughly investigated. Offenders will face administrative action and criminal charges. To prevent illegal cross-border entry of paddy, police have been instructed to conduct strict checkpoints in border districts.

Saini also urged district officials to personally inspect grain markets and engage directly with farmers. He instructed that periodic physical verification of rice mills be carried out and warned that negligence or corruption at any level would invite immediate disciplinary and legal action.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, Principal Secretary to the CM Rajesh Khullar, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Dr. Sumita Misra, Principal Secretary to the CM Arun Kumar Gupta, DGP O.P. Singh, Additional Principal Secretary to the CM Dr. Saket Kumar, and Director of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Anshaj Singh, among other senior officials.