
Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini has directed officials to take strict action against the illegal entry of paddy from neighbouring states into Haryana’s mandis. The chief minister made this announcement after chairing a high-level review meeting in Chandigarh on Saturday. The meeting focused on procurement arrangements, farmers’ grievances, and the functioning of the e-procurement system. Saini made it clear that any officer or employee found allowing paddy from outside Haryana to enter local mandis will face criminal action. FIRs will be registered against those involved in such activities to ensure complete transparency in the procurement process.
He said that all border districts have been asked to set up strict checkpoints to monitor vehicles carrying paddy. The aim is to ensure that only genuine local produce is brought for procurement under the government’s support scheme. According to the chief minister, the illegal inflow of paddy from other states not only causes losses to the state exchequer but also harms genuine Haryana farmers, whose produce may be left unsold. He instructed officials to carefully monitor gate passes, warning that they should only be scanned within the designated mandi areas. If any misuse of these passes is detected, strict disciplinary action — including suspension and FIR — will be taken against those responsible.
Saini informed that irregularities had recently been detected in the e-procurement portal and H-register entries at the new grain mandi in Kanina and the Kosli mandi. After these violations were reported, several officials were immediately placed under suspension. He added that the state government will continue to monitor the digital procurement system closely to prevent any manipulation or data tampering. “Those trying to cheat the government in the name of procurement will not be spared,” the chief minister warned. He further said that the administration is determined to ensure a fair and transparent process so that farmers receive the rightful price for their crops.
According to an official spokesperson, Haryana has already purchased 52.18 lakh metric tonnes of paddy in the current procurement season. Payments worth ₹10,204 crore have been transferred directly into the bank accounts of farmers. The state government said that digital payments ensure transparency and prevent delays, eliminating the role of middlemen. The spokesperson also mentioned that procurement of bajra (pearl millet) is in progress, with around 291 metric tonnes bought by state agencies and about 3.99 lakh metric tonnes purchased by private traders so far.
Saini said that farmers should sell their produce only at authorised mandis, where government agencies have made proper arrangements for procurement, weighing, and timely payment. He added that farmers should avoid selling their crops through unauthorised agents or in private markets, as such actions could lead to disputes over rates and payments. The state government, he said, has taken all necessary steps to ensure smooth procurement operations across Haryana, especially in regions that produce high quantities of paddy, such as Karnal, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, and Ambala.
The government has also directed officers to ensure that transportation and storage facilities are properly managed. Saini said that each mandi should maintain updated records on arrivals, purchases, and dispatches of grains to prevent duplication and fraud. He added that authorities in border districts such as Sirsa, Ambala, and Yamunanagar must remain extra vigilant because of their proximity to Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, from where paddy is often brought in illegally. “We will not tolerate any attempt to misuse the procurement system. Every grain of paddy procured in Haryana must belong to Haryana’s farmers,” he said firmly.
The chief minister stressed the importance of digital monitoring in the procurement process. The e-procurement system, which records every transaction and farmer entry, has been introduced to make the process more transparent and efficient. However, he acknowledged that some officials had been manipulating data entries and gate passes to benefit traders bringing in paddy from outside the state. These incidents prompted the government to review the system and plug all loopholes.
Saini ordered the food, civil supplies, and consumer affairs department to deploy special monitoring teams at mandis. These teams will regularly inspect procurement sites, check the movement of trucks, and verify the authenticity of gate passes. Random checks will also be carried out to cross-verify whether the quantity of paddy received at the mandis matches the registered farmer data. If discrepancies are found, immediate action will be taken against the concerned officials or traders.
He said that the government is committed to ensuring that every eligible farmer receives timely payment through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. Saini also urged farmers to register genuine details on the e-procurement portal and avoid using middlemen who might exploit them for commissions. “Our goal is to protect the interests of Haryana’s farmers and maintain the integrity of our procurement process,” he said.
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The Haryana government’s decision to file FIRs against anyone involved in the illegal entry of paddy reflects its tough stand on corruption and irregularities. Officials said that such illegal practices distort procurement data and affect the distribution of funds under the state’s agriculture support schemes. Moreover, the inflow of paddy from neighbouring states at minimum support price (MSP) reduces the chances of genuine local farmers getting their produce sold at government rates.
Chief Minister Saini emphasised that the government’s focus is not only on strict enforcement but also on ensuring that procurement remains farmer-friendly. Mandis are being equipped with modern facilities for storage, grading, and weighing to make the experience smoother for farmers. The use of digital gate passes and online records will help in tracking each transaction and holding officials accountable for lapses.
As procurement of both paddy and bajra continues, Saini assured that no irregularities will be tolerated. He said that transparent operations and timely payments are the government’s top priorities this season. The administration, he added, will continue to work closely with farmer organisations and mandi boards to resolve grievances quickly.
Through these measures, the Haryana government hopes to strike a balance between ensuring accountability among officials and protecting the rights of honest farmers. The strict directions issued by the chief minister make it clear that any attempt to misuse the procurement system — whether by traders or officials — will invite serious legal consequences.