BJP member Shivratan Sharma on Monday alleged in the Chhattisgarh Assembly that 22 cooperative societies did not purchase paddy from the farmers even after weighing it before the last date in Baloda Bazar-Bhatapara district. Sharma raised the issue through call attention motion during the Budget Session of Chhattisgarh Assembly on Monday and alleged that the farmers were forced to take away paddy from the procurement centers after January 31 which was the last date for paddy procurement.
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Punnulal Mohle said that the matter will be investigated. But Sharma was dissatisfied by the reply and said that the Minister has adopted indifferent approach on the issue. Sharma said that farmers are running from pillar to post carrying tokens issued to them by the cooperative societies for paddy purchase but nothing has been done to solve their problem. This has lead to resentment among the farmers.
In the reply, Mohle said that 52,94,92 tonne paddy was purchased from 10,05,18 farmers in Baloda Bazar. He refuted the charges that 22 cooperative societies did not purchase paddy from the farmers even after weighing the paddy. He said that the proposal from Collector of Baloda Bazar will be examined and thereafter action will be taken as per rules. Sharma sought assurance from the Minister about deadline to which Mohle said that the matter will be investigated within a week.