TV
In a startling revelation, the seven officials from the Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) in Odisha facing scrutiny for travelling abroad during the peak of the farmer registration and fertiliser distribution season had reportedly faked their health conditions to obtain medical leaves, which were then used for the trip. The incident, which has sparked outrage among local farmers, has now led to suspensions and show-cause notices.
At a time when farmers across Odisha were busy registering for seasonal support and receiving fertiliser allocations, seven PACS secretaries from Boudh and Sonepur districts, along with the District Registrar of Cooperative Societies (DRCS) from Boudh, reportedly travelled overseas on a trip organised by a private company.
The timing of the trip, between August 8 and 11, coincided with critical agricultural operations, leaving many farmers without access to necessary resources.
"In Sonepur district, the government allotted a short window for registration of farmers and fertilizer distribution. During such a crucial period, three PACS officials of the district went to have fun abroad. We highly condemn such an act,” said Baikuntha Satapathy, Chairman, District Farmers’ Council.
"During an important phase for farmers, three PACS officials obtained medical leaves but instead went on foreign trips. In view of this act, the Assistant Registrar of Sonepur has suspended them from duty,” stated Sanjay Tripathi, District Registrar of Cooperative Societies (DRCS), Sonepur.
Suspensions in Sonepur, Silence in Boudh
Following an internal investigation by the Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies (ARCS) in Sonepur, three PACS secretaries were suspended. The officials, identified as Manjaya Dharua of Lachhipur, Dhaneswar Sahu of Mayurdan, and Arun Pujari of Rengali, had reportedly submitted medical leave applications citing illness.
However, viral photographs from Thailand revealed they were vacationing abroad.
In contrast, no disciplinary action has been taken in Boudh district, despite similar allegations. Sources suggest this is allegedly because the DRCS of Boudh, Girish Chandra Purohit, was part of the same foreign trip.
Show-Cause Notices Issued
The Boudh ARCS has issued show-cause notices to four PACS secretaries: Satyajit Kar of Boudh, Debasish Mishra of Khuntabandh, and Sanjeev Kumar Pradhan of Lunibahal. They have been asked to explain their absence from the office, neglect of farmer registration duties, and the nature of their foreign travel.
Girish Chandra Purohit, the DRCS of Boudh, admitted his involvement in the trip and stated that action will be taken after receiving responses to the show-cause notices.
Farmer leaders and district officials have expressed concern over the disruption caused to agricultural operations and the apparent double standards in disciplinary action.
“When the head himself is involved, how can we expect fair action?” said Bikash Mahakud, a farmer leader from Boudh.
