Punjab Vigilance Bureau conducted joint surprise checks of grain markets across the state to keep watch on ongoing paddy procurement process so that the farmers do not face any difficulty in selling their produce. The checking teams were comprising of officers from other departments - revenue, weights & measures and procurement agencies in addition to Vigilance Bureau, reported that lifting of paddy is going on smoothly, but a bit slow at some places.Disclosing this here today, Chief Director, Vigilance Bureau, Punjab BK Uppal said Vigilance teams were instructed to visit the grain markets, check the ongoing procurement process and submit reports if they find any irregularities in the purchase, payment and lifting process or deficiencies in any basic facilities besides getting feedback from farmers and commission agents. Some farmers informed the teams that the labour rates should be displayed on notice boards at the mandis and the time of auction should be changed from 04:00 pm to 03:00 pm.
He said paddy procurement and lifting process has been found to be going on smoothly and concerned department would be informed to check wherever specific shortcomings were found. He further added that lifting process at some places was found to be slow because of bad weather during the last few days. He said during most of these visits by the teams; farmers, labourers and Aarthias expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made by Punjab government to ensure smooth procurement of paddy.Vigilance Chief also said corruption at any level in the procurement process would not be tolerated. He appealed to the people to report corruption by public servants and any other such grievances at Vigilance Bureau’s toll free number 1800 1800 1000 without any hesitation.