Employee suspended after Minister finds truth in bribery allegations at government paddy procurement centre
Minister Venkataramanan suspended a clerk at the Vadalur direct paddy procurement centre following a surprise inspection where bribery and operational irregularities were confirmed.
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Venkataramanan conducted a surprise inspection at the direct paddy procurement centre in Maruvai village near Vadalur, Cuddalore district. During the inspection, he examined the procurement registers and directly enquired with farmers about their grievances.
During the inspection, a farmer complained that a bribe of Rs 50 was being demanded for every bag of paddy. Additionally, residents from the Sri Lankan Tamil area in Vazhuthalambattu complained that the local ration shop was not functioning properly and that the supplies provided contained pests.
Following these revelations, the Minister ordered the District Collector to suspend the clerk, Velmurugan. The Minister warned that strict action would be taken against any officials involved in such irregularities and encouraged farmers to report any bribery attempts. He further ordered the temporary closure of the procurement centre until normal operations are ensured.
Courtesy: Hindu Tamil Thisai