Bhubaneswar, February 3: In a surprising turn of events, Bhadrak District Collector Dilip Routrai went undercover on Saturday to inspect the paddy procurement process at the Katasahi mandi in Dhamnagar block, following allegations of 'katni-chhatni' (unjustified price reductions during paddy assessments). The Collector, disguised as a farmer, visited the site, and a video of the inspection has since gone viral on social media.
Routrai arrived at the Katasahi PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Society) by parking his vehicle at a distance, concealing his identity with a face mask. He then made several rounds of the mandi, interacting with farmers and traders to gather firsthand information about their experiences.
Without revealing his identity, the Collector engaged with farmers, inquiring about the sale of their paddy. Taking matters into his own hands, Routrai attempted to sell paddy using another farmer's token. During this attempt, a cooperative official informed him that approximately 8 kg of paddy would be deducted for wastage.
Finding the allegations of 'katni-chhatni' to be valid, Collector Routrai immediately issued a show-cause notice to the officials involved.
The notice required the concerned officials to respond within two days, failing which, further action would be initiated. It also mentioned that the Collector had received multiple reports of farmers being exploited by PACS and millers.
Additionally, the notice highlighted a recent meeting between the Assistant Registrar of Co-operative Societies (ARCS) of Bhadrak and the Secretaries of various PACS, where they were instructed to ensure farmers were not suffering losses.