Chhattisgarh assembly: Congress demands CBI probe into paddy procurement

The main opposition Congress staged a walkout in the Chhattisgarh assembly on Thursday over alleged corruption in paddy procurement in the state. 

Raising the issue, Bhupesh Baghel (Congress) sought to know the target fixed for paddy procurement under minimum support price (MSP) by the state government in kharif marketing years 2013-14 to 2016-17. 

He said the government should reveal how much paddy had been procured and details of payments made to farmers. 

Cooperative minister Dayaldas Baghel said the state doesn't fix any target for paddy procurement under MSP.

He also gave figures of paddy procurment and amounts paid to farmers from 2013-14 to 2016-17.

Countering his reply, Congress member Baghel asked how the government provides budget for paddy procurement, its transportation, milling and labour payment when it doesn't fixe any target. There have been irregularities to the tune of Rs 684 crore in paddy procurement and the government is trying to hide this, he alleged.

The minister said action is being taken against the guilty wherever irregularities have come to light. So far, 18 employees have been sacked and employees suspended.

Besides, process of lodging FIRs against 13 employees had been initiated, the Minister added.

Interrupting him, Congress MLAs alleged massive irregularity in paddy procurement and demanded a CBI probe. Not satisfied with the Minsiter's reply, Congress members a staged a walkout.