Raipur: The Chhattisgarh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai, is fully committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and discipline in the paddy procurement system. The government's clear policy is that irregularities, negligence, or misconduct at any level related to paddy procurement and storage will not be tolerated.
A total of 12,72,389.56 quintals of paddy was stored at the Sarda-Lenjwara paddy collection center in Bemetara district during the 2024-25 Kharif marketing year. As per the instructions of the Bemetara Collector, a joint inspection team comprising relevant departments including Revenue, Food, Markfed, Civil Supplies Corporation, Cooperatives, Agricultural Produce Market, and the District Cooperative Central Bank, Durg, was formed to physically verify and test the quality of the paddy stored at this collection center.
The joint investigation team conducted a physical verification of the Sarda-Lenjwara storage center on December 31, 2025. During the investigation, it was found that the stored paddy stacks were not in perfect condition, the paddy sacks were scattered haphazardly, and there was a serious discrepancy between the stock information available online and the paddy available on the spot. The investigation revealed a shortage of 4,209.19 quintals of coarse paddy and 49,430.03 quintals of Sarna paddy, totaling 53,639.22 quintals of paddy. The report prepared by the joint investigation team in this regard has been sent to the government for necessary action.
On the basis of the investigation report, the District Marketing Officer, Bemetara has issued orders for suspension and conducting a departmental inquiry against Mr. Nitish Pathak, Area Assistant, in-charge of Collection Centre Sarda-Lenjwara, relieving him of all charges from January 14, 2026.
In order to maintain continuity in the administrative system, Mr. Hemant Kumar Dewangan, Field Assistant, has been appointed in-charge of the Paddy Collection Center, Lenjwara (Sarda), and the Storage Center, Bemetara, until further orders. This order is effective immediately.
During physical verification, a total of 11,648.62 quintals of paddy was found physically available at the Sarda and Lenjwara collection centers, of which 3,000 quintals have been lifted. The process of lifting the remaining available paddy is continuing as per regulations.
During the investigation, it was also found that paddy was stored in plastic bags at collection centers, which is contrary to prescribed standards. All these facts have been included in the scope of the departmental investigation.
The state government, led by Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai, has a clear message: "Every grain of paddy will be purchased, farmers will receive their full payment on time, but strict action will be taken against those who commit irregularities at any level." The government is working with utmost strictness and sensitivity to keep the paddy procurement system transparent, accountable, and farmer-friendly.