Seven Odisha PACS secretaries ‘skip duty’ for foreign trip; 3 suspended

At a time when fertiliser sales and government scheme distributions are at their peak through Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies (PACS), seven secretaries from Sonepur and Boudh districts allegedly went on a foreign trip without official leave.

The absence of these officials has triggered discontent among farmers and drawn sharp criticism of uneven disciplinary action.

Sources reported that, acting on reports of absenteeism, the Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies (ARCS) raided three PACS offices in Sonepur district. Finding the secretaries absent, the ARCS immediately placed all three under suspension.

Reports also added that the move was deemed necessary as their absence directly hampered the distribution of fertilisers and other agricultural inputs during the peak cultivation season.

Zero Action in Boudh

In contrast, four PACS secretaries from neighbouring Boudh district, who had also left for the foreign trip without permission, have faced no action.

Sources indicate that the officials there have allegedly received departmental sympathy, with no suspension or inquiry initiated. However, the leniency has sparked resentment among farmer groups and raised questions about unequal enforcement of rules.

Farmers Bear the Brunt

With the kharif season in full swing, farmers depend heavily on PACS for fertilisers, seeds, and scheme-related services. The sudden absence of secretaries has led to long queues, delays in procurement, and confusion in several cooperative centres.

The absenteeism was also compounded due to heavy rains disrupting agriculture and harvest in several parts of the state. Further, low-pressure-induced rainfall threatens to lash farmlands, with the IMD having issued rain warnings up to this evening.

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