Irregularities and Delays Plague Civil Supplies Department, Resulting in Massive Losses
Hyderabad, December 29 – The Civil Supplies Department finds itself mired in a deepening crisis, grappling with widespread irregularities and extensive delays in milling operations. Shockingly, a staggering 88 lakh tonnes of paddy grain, valued at approximately Rs. 22 thousand crores, remain in limbo with rice millers for an extended period.
Key Issues:
- Financial Losses: The department is burdened with an astronomical debt of Rs. 56 thousand crores, attributed to delays in milling operations and the failure to provide Custom Milling Rice (CMR) on time. This lapse has resulted in a substantial loss of Rs. 11,500 crores, as the release of funds from the central government is contingent upon the timely delivery of CMR to the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
- Alleged Mismanagement: Grave allegations have surfaced, accusing some rice millers of diverting paddy worth thousands of crores to the open market instead of fulfilling their obligation to the government. There are also claims of exporting to foreign countries and engaging in illicit practices under the CMR scheme.
- Political Nexus: Critics argue that certain millers, purportedly supported by the previous government, have been embroiled in corrupt practices for decades. Despite the glaring irregularities, there has been a perceived lack of decisive action against these entities, perpetuating a culture of impunity.
- Pending Milling: A substantial backlog of 88 lakh metric tonnes of old grain remains with rice millers, exerting additional financial strain. The negligence of the previous government has resulted in a serious delay in CMR, with debts accumulating to Rs. 56 thousand crores.
Current Status:
- Milling Backlog: Of the 66.84 lakh tonnes of paddy collected from farmers in the last season, only a mere 18.64 percent has undergone milling to date. An alarming 81.36 percent of milling remains pending, exacerbating the crisis.
- Outstanding Payments: Millers owe a substantial Rs. 3,500 crores annually for outstanding debts, with some egregiously delaying payments for several years.
Proposed Solutions:
- Security Deposit System: In a bid to curb rampant irregularities, experts propose the implementation of a Security Deposit System, drawing inspiration from neighboring states Chhattisgarh and Odisha. Under this proposed system, millers would be required to furnish a significant deposit, acting as a financial deterrent against malpractices.
- Guarantee System: Another suggested measure involves the introduction of a guarantee system, designed to instill greater caution among millers and act as a preventative measure against potential irregularities.
The situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to address systemic issues and restore financial stability to the beleaguered Civil Supplies Department. Authorities are urged to take swift and decisive action against those responsible for the irregularities, and to implement effective measures to prevent such malpractices in the future.
