Paddy Procurement Crisis: Bandi Sanjay Slams Telangana Government Over Farmer Hardships

Hyderabad — Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay has leveled sharp criticism against the Telangana government, accusing it of inflicting hardship on farmers through sluggish paddy procurement operations. The minister contended that the state has failed to acquire harvested grain within reasonable timeframes, leaving cultivators in distress.

During a visit to the paddy procurement centre in Kazipur, located in Kothapalli mandal, Bandi Sanjay engaged directly with farming communities to understand their grievances. Farmers relayed their struggles, noting that they have endured extended waits at procurement centres to dispose of their harvest.

Complaints from the farming community pointed to systematic deductions of four to five kilograms per bag by officials and intermediaries. These reductions were justified through references to moisture levels, wastage, and quality assessments. Additionally, farmers raised concerns about prolonged delays in token distribution.

Bandi Sanjay questioned the state government's apparent inaction despite the mounting difficulties farmers face at procurement facilities. He highlighted that the central government releases funds corresponding to grain procurement volumes and extends commission payments to state administrations for managing procurement activities.

The Union Minister further suggested that state ministers would encounter public backlash if they witnessed conditions at procurement centres firsthand. He emphasized that farmers bear substantial stress both during cultivation and while awaiting payment for their produce.

According to Bandi Sanjay, Telangana's paddy harvest this season is anticipated to reach approximately 90 lakh metric tonnes. However, procurement figures reveal a significant shortfall, with only 15 lakh metric tonnes acquired thus far. The minister issued a warning regarding potential action against individuals engaged in collecting commissions related to token issuance.

Bandi Sanjay demanded stringent measures against officials responsible for excessive deductions attributed to moisture content, wastage, and quality parameters. He called upon the government to facilitate minimum support price disbursements without imposing arbitrary reductions.

The BJP leader expanded his critique to encompass broader governance concerns, asserting that the Congress-led state administration has deceived multiple segments of society. He alleged that the government has withheld fee reimbursement allocations for SC, ST, BC, and EBC students despite receiving corresponding funds from the Centre.

Bandi Sanjay also raised questions about the government's budgetary priorities, noting apparent contradictions between claims of financial constraints for guarantees, employee salaries, and pensions, set against what he characterized as substantial expenditures on political endeavors. He urged the administration to accelerate paddy procurement operations with maximum urgency.