Farmers collective alleges irregularities in functioning of Regulated Market Committee in Puducherry
In a letter addressed to Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan, the president of the Association, V. Chandrasekhar, said that various irregularities and misappropriation of funds in the Regulated Market had come to light resulting in financial loss to the Puducherry government.
He said used gunny bags were purchased for the Regulated Market Committee in violation of Government rules and without approval of the Secretary to the Department of Agriculture. Though a similar irregularity was flagged by the Audit Department in 2021, no action has been taken yet.
According to Mr. Chandrasekhar, the Inspector of Licensed Premises (ILP) is responsible for cess collection, issue and renewal of trader licences in the committee. Normally, an Assistant Agricultural Officer from the department is appointed on deputation to this post. However, a junior-level officer from within the Committee has been given this responsibility.
The market cess collection has also drastically reduced over the years due to alleged financial mismanagement and administrative lapses. As a result, the Market Committee is now facing a severe financial crisis, he said.
The government should immediately intervene and order a thorough probe into the irregularities, Mr. Chandrasekhar said.
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