Patra warns of strict action against lapses in paddy procurement

BHUBANESWAR: Odisha’s Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra has warned individuals involved in mismanagement at paddy procurement mandis.

He vowed on Saturday to take strict action against those found guilty of corruption or malpractice.

Patra emphasized that the state government is committed to ensuring complete transparency in the system. “Corruption will not be tolerated in any form, and transparency will be maintained at all costs. Any lapse in the procurement process will result in severe consequences,” he said.

The Minister’s remarks come in the wake of reports that millers have been purchasing paddy from farmers at rates lower than the government-prescribed minimum support price (MSP).

Patra made it clear that any involvement in such malpractices would lead to stringent penalties.