Farmers block road as DPC staff seek bribe despite checks

The farmers from around 10 villages in Thirupananthal Union near Kumbakonam have been waiting for over 10 days for the weighing of their paddy that was harvested in an area of more than 1,000 acre land.

However, the staff at the DPCs have been providing priority to the outside traders and reportedly weighing paddy during night hours and so the paddy that have been piled in the DPCs by the local farmers had to wait for a long time.

At the same time, the DPC staff have reportedly been demanding bribe of Rs 40 per bag and reduce 2 to 3 kg per bag while weighing.

On Thursday, the farmers who have been waiting for their turn were dejected as the workers continued to repeat the same. Soon, they assembled at Thirupandthal-Aduthurai road and blocked the vehicle movement. However, on information, the Thirupanathal Inspector Kavitha rushed to the spot and held talks with the agitating farmers. Upon assurance by the police, the farmers dispersed from the spot.

On Wednesday, Food Minister R Kamaraj, along with a team of officials, including Prateep Philip, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Principal Secretary Dayanand Kataria, Managing Director TNCSC M Sudha Devi conducted a surprise inspection.

The team also interacted with the farmers and inquired about the irregularities. They also inspected the measurement ofthe procurement.