Those dismissed are computer operator Ashok Kumar Sahu and society manager Gopal Ram Sahu. Officials said the decision was taken after evidence emerged that procurement guidelines were deliberately ignored, undermining the transparency of the state’s paddy purchase system.
According to the administration, the inspection revealed that farmers were allowed to sell paddy in violation of prescribed norms. Two stockpiles at the procurement centre were found to contain adulterated paddy, raising concerns over quality control. Investigators also found an attempt to pass off one farmer’s paddy using another farmer’s token, indicating possible collusion and manipulation of records.
Officials said the irregularities came despite clear instructions issued by the Directorate of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection, Nava Raipur, on December 24, 2025. The guidelines laid down strict procedures for paddy procurement, including verification of farmer identity, quality checks, and digital recording of transactions.
“The paddy procurement process is a sensitive and high-value public operation. Any negligence or deviation from rules directly affects farmers and the credibility of the system,” a senior official said, adding that the violations had a negative impact on the government’s transparent procurement framework.
In view of the seriousness of the findings, the board of the cooperative society convened a meeting and unanimously decided to take disciplinary action. Acting under Clause 16.5 of the Service Rules, 2018, issued by the Registrar, both officials were dismissed from the PACS Maryadit Mohdi.
Authorities said further scrutiny of procurement records at the centre is underway to determine whether similar irregularities occurred during previous transactions. Samples of the adulterated paddy have also been set aside for examination, and additional action may follow if wider misconduct is established.
The district administration has reiterated that zero tolerance will be shown towards malpractice in paddy procurement. Officials have instructed all procurement centres to strictly follow guidelines and warned that supervisory checks will be intensified during the ongoing procurement season.
The action in Dhamtari is being viewed as a strong message to procurement staff across the state, amid efforts by the Chhattisgarh government to ensure fair prices for farmers and prevent leakage or manipulation in the system.
