Irregularities in paddy procurement will not be tolerated, strict action continues against culprits. Government committed to transparent paddy procurement system under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai. Raipur January 16, 2026/Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, the Chhattisgarh government is fully committed to ensuring transparency, accountability and discipline in the paddy procurement system. The government’s clear policy is that irregularities, negligence or disturbance at any level related to paddy procurement and storage will not be tolerated under any circumstances. In the Kharif marketing year 2024-25, a total of 12,72,389.56 quintals of paddy was stored in the paddy collection center Sarda-Lenjwara of district Bemetara. As per the instructions of Collector Bemetara, a joint investigation team of concerned departments including Revenue, Food, Markfed, Civil Supplies Corporation, Cooperatives, Agricultural Produce Market, District Cooperative Central Bank Durg was formed for physical verification and quality testing of the paddy stored in this collection center. The joint investigation team conducted the physical verification of the collection center Sarda-Lenjwara on December 31, 2025. During the investigation, it was found that the stacks of stored paddy were not in complete condition, the bags of paddy were scattered in a disorganized manner and a serious difference was found between the stock information available online and the paddy available on the spot. In the investigation, a shortage of 4,209.19 quintals of bold paddy and 49,430.03 quintals of Sarna paddy, a total of 53,639.22 quintals of paddy was found. In this regard, the report prepared by the joint investigation team has been sent to the government for necessary action. On the basis of the investigation report, orders have been issued by the District Marketing Officer Bemetara to relieve Mr. Nitish Pathak, In-charge of the collection center Sarda-Lenjwara, Field Assistant from all charges with effect from January 14, 2026 and to institute suspension and departmental inquiry against him. With the objective of maintaining the continuity of the administrative system, Mr. Hemant Kumar Dewangan, Field Assistant, has been appointed as the In-charge of Paddy Collection Center Lenjwara (Sarda) and Storage Center Bemetara until further orders. This order has been implemented with immediate effect. During physical verification, a total of 11,648.62 quintals of paddy was found physically available in the collection center Sarda and Lenjwara, out of which 3,000 quintals of paddy has been lifted. The process of lifting the remaining available paddy is continuing as per rules. During the investigation, it was also found that paddy was stored in plastic bags in the collection centers, which is contrary to the prescribed standards. All these facts have been included in the scope of the departmental investigation. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, the state government’s clear message is that “Every grain of paddy will be purchased, farmers will get their full payment on time, but the strictest action will be taken against those who commit irregularities at any level.” The government is working with full strictness and sensitivity to keep the paddy procurement system transparent, accountable and farmer-friendly.
