Corruption mars PACS in Jajpur

DESPITE INITIATIVES AIMED AT IMPROVING THE WELFARE OF FARMERS THROUGH PACS, WIDESPREAD ALLEGATIONS OF CORRUPTION HAVE EMERGED IN JAJPUR DISTRICT, WITH FARMERS CLAIMING THEY ARE BEING EXPLOITED AND DENIED BENEFITS UNLESS BRIBES ARE PAID

- POST NEWS NETWORK

The state government has launched several schemes through Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) to ensure the all-round development of agriculture and farmers.

However, most of the PACS in this district are reportedly mired in corruption. Despite repeated complaints and directives from higher authorities, departmental actions have remained few and far between, if the situation at Dharapur PACS under Bari block and Haripur PACS under Korei block is any indication.

Farmers have been alleging large-scale irregularities in paddy procurement, issuance of short-term crop loans based on forged land pattas and deductions in weight, while government benefits are denied if bribe is not paid.