Manipur Goverment arm twisting fertiliser price : CPI
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 07, 2012: CPI Manipur State Council has submitted a representation to the Governor saying that private dealers are being bargained to sell subsidised fertilizers at the escalated price of Rs 330 to 400 per bag against the subsidised price of Rs 278.80 fixed by the Government.

It further alleged that the State Government has been giving extra transportation charge of Rs 1900 per metric tonne of fertilizer above the normal transportation charge of Rs 2100 per metric tonne.

After submitting the memorandum in person to Governor Gurbachan Jagat at Raj Bhavan this morning, CPI State secretary Dr M Nara claimed that many anomalies and irregularities have been detected in procurement, distribution and purchase of fertilizers.

Speaking to media persons at Hotel Imphal, Dr Nara said that after Rs 9.60 crore was sanctioned in March this year, 10 metric tonnes of fertilizers were purchased by the State Government to be kept in buffer stock.

However, only 5308 MT of fertilizers were shipped in from the Namrup Fertilizer Factory till July 20. For transportation of fertilizers from the factory to Silchar, Government of India gave subsidy of Rs 200 per bag.

Counting this subsidy, the price of urea was fixed at Rs 278.80 per bag, Dr Nara said.

Transportation of fertilizers from the Assam State Warehouse, Silchar to Imphal was done by M/S Ranganamei Traders, Manipur.

The transport agency should be given Rs 2100 as transport charge for every metric tonne of fertilizer but the State Government gave the agency Rs 4000 as transport charge for every metric tonne of fertilizers brought to Imphal.

He further alleged that selection of transport agency was done at the fancy and whims of the Government without observing any laid down formalities.

On the other hand, private dealers shipped in 7500 MT of fertilizers at the cost of Rs 478.80 per bag and they are selling the same item at Rs 500 per bag at Imphal.

Dr Nara further alleged that some people close to the ruling party have been negotiating with the private dealers to sell the subsidised fertilizers at Rs 330 to Rs 400 per bag.

Against 15,500 MT of fertilizers required in the State during the current kharif season, there is a shortage of 4692 MT.

The State Government sanctioned Rs 31 lakhs as charges for re-packaging and handling of fertilizers but the weight of each bag was found reduced by 10 Kgs after re-packaging.

This is nothing but broad day light robbery of the farmers, he asserted.

He also sought immediate intervention of the Governor into all these anomalies and fraudulent practices.

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