Chandigarh, April 26
The Sirsa MP and General Secretary of All India Congress Committee and Former Union Minister Kumari Selja said that the mismanagement witnessed in grain markets during the ongoing procurement season reflects the government’s inadequate and incomplete preparations. She said farmers, traders and mandi labourers have remained distressed throughout the season, calling the situation “extremely serious.
Selja pointed out that despite the government’s claims of having comprehensive data through the “Meri Fasal Mera Byora” portal, the ground reality tells a different story. She said that neither accurate production data was available nor were proper arrangements ensured in mandis. “As a result, there have been shortages of labour at some places, while in others delays in lifting produce and general disorder have been reported,”, she added.
Selja further said that complaints of unnecessary delays in payments to farmers have been surfacing consistently. She said that payments are getting delayed due to procedural issues involving portal IDs, WhatsApp processes and J-forms, which is adversely affecting farmers’ financial condition.
According to Selja, the situation clearly indicates that the government failed to formulate a robust plan at the ground level and ensure effective implementation. She stressed the need to simplify systems and make them transparent and time-bound so that farmers, traders and labourers can get relief. Selja said the Congress party has consistently raised the voice of farmers, traders and labourers and will continue to stand firmly for their rights.
