Fertilizer scam: Opposition rocks House, demands inquiry into alleged anomalies

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The opposition repeatedly stormed into the state Assembly today with their demand for an inquiry into the alleged anomalies in chemical fertilizer distribution. Agriculture Minister Atul Bora said that the department had taken action against those found guilty, and the process to streamline fertilizer distribution was going on.

Rafiqul Islam of the AIUDF raised the issue during the Question Hour, and said, "The scarcity of urea is a ground reality. Retailers do not get an adequate quantity of fertilizers even as the dealers have adequate stocks. And the retailers charge Rs 150-200 more per fertilizer pack containing 45 kg and 50 kg. The fertilizer distribution scam in the Barpeta district needs a thorough inquiry."

Zakir Hussain Sikdar of the Congress said, "Allegations galore that the fertilizers allotted to the Barpeta district reach Bhutan, West Bengal and Arunachal Pradesh. The anomalous urea distribution in the state needs an inquiry. The fertilizer dealers of the Barpeta district distribute fertilizers at their whims and fancies."

AIUDF and Congress members, besides independent MLA Akhil Gogoi, then started shouting slogans demanding an inquiry into the alleged anomalous distribution of chemical fertilizers in the state.

In his reply, Minister Atul Bora said, "We get allegations regarding the anomalous distribution of fertilizers. We also get allegations of fertilizers sales at higher prices from time to time. We conducted an inquiry into the allegation last year. We suspended over 1,200 licenses of guilty retailers. The process of issuing new fertilizer retailer licenses is going on."

Since the minister evaded the demand of inquiry into the fertilizer scam, the opposition members stormed into the House with a renewed vigour demanding an inquiry. Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia said, "We want an inquiry into the distribution of chemical fertilizer. The minister should announce an inquiry into the scam on the floor of the House.

"Present Chief Secretary Jishnu Barua did inquire into the allegations against the Agriculture Department. The government should lay the report of that inquiry in the House."

Minister Atul Bora again said, "We have already taken action against those found guilty. If the opposition has any specific information regarding anomalies in fertilizer distribution, they should hand it over to the government. We will inquire about that.

"The Chief Minister did call all fertilizer companies and wholesalers and instructed them sternly not to cause any anomalies in the distribution of fertilizers. Even now, we get allegations regarding anomalies in fertilizer distribution from time to time. The department is acting on the allegations.

"The police arrested some officials of Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation, Namrup. We did receive allegations of anomalies in the Barak Valley and took action against the guilty. If the opposition members have any specific information regarding fertilizer distribution, you should submit them to the department. We will inquire into that."

Sorbhog MLA Manoranjan Talukdar said, "A local ADO (Agriculture Development Officer) titled Gayan is leading the fertilizer distribution anomalies in the Barpeta district."

The minister quipped to say, "We will inquire into that."

The opposition members continued their demand for an inquiry into the scam.

Speaker Biswajit Daimary then said, "A minister cannot instantly announce any inquiry in the House. If the opposition members have any specific information regarding fertilizer distribution, you can submit it to the minister in writing. He will institute an inquiry into the allegations."

In a press statement issued to the media outside the House, Minister Atul Bora said that to discourage monopoly the department framed a special SOP framed under the directive of the Chief Minister. "As per the SOP, it is mandatory to sell fertilizer through the Point of Sale (PoS) devised by the retailer using their retailer ID. Retailers must have their IDs. A retailer not having an ID is considered an offence. Display of price list and daily stock position with strict adherence to the area of operation is mandatory. Selling of fertilizers by the traders beyond their area of operation is considered as an offence," the minister said.

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