Bhopal: Amid the ongoing wheat procurement drive in Madhya Pradesh, former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh has raised serious concerns over alleged irregularities in the storage and handling of wheat in Raisen and Sehore districts, urging Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to order a high-level probe.
In a letter to Chief Minister Yadav on Wednesday, Singh claimed that mismanagement of procured wheat between 2017 and 2020 led to massive financial losses and wastage of foodgrain meant for public distribution.
He has demanded an impartial investigation by the State Economic Offences Wing.
Highlighting the scale of the issue, Singh alleged that around 40,000 tonnes of wheat, valued at nearly Rs 100 crore, was left to rot due to prolonged storage, while nearly Rs 150 crore was spent on its maintenance and warehousing.
“This is not just financial mismanagement, but also a failure of the system, where foodgrain meant for the poor was allowed to decay,” Singh said, calling for accountability.
According to him, the wheat procured at Minimum Support Price was neither lifted on time by the Food Corporation of India nor distributed through the Public Distribution System, resulting in spoilage.
He further alleged that the spoiled stock was later shifted between locations, including from Baktara in Sehore to warehouses in Raisen, to benefit private warehouse operators.
Singh also pointed to alleged irregularities in transportation contracts, claiming they were awarded to close associates.
The Congress leader noted that he had earlier flagged the issue in July 2023, but no action followed, raising questions about the administrative response.
The allegations come at a time when the state government is intensifying wheat procurement at the Minimum Support Price and assuring farmers of efficient storage and timely payments.
Singh’s letter has brought renewed focus on whether past lapses have been addressed and if safeguards are in place to prevent similar losses.
He urged the Chief Minister to ensure strict action against those found guilty, warning that inaction could damage the state’s financial credibility and public trust.
(IANS)
