Port Blair, Jan. 16: In line with campaign and steps taken for no-tolerance to corruption and irregular practices in the Government Departments by the A&N Administration under the guidance of the Chief Secretary, Agriculture Department has initiated action to curb such activities in the Department.
In this context, a Committee constituted under the Joint Director (Agri.) HQs detected a huge discrepancy on 12.01.2022 between the quantities of DAP(Di-ammonium Phosphate) and MOP (Muriate of Potash) fertilizers listed in the stock register and found in the physical stock at the Department’s Sub-depot at Ferrargunj. The missing fertilizers details are as under:-
Sl. No. Item Rate Per MT Stock as per stock book Handed over Stock Shortages (if any) Amount
(in Rs.)
1 DAP 22177.14 37.25 MT 21.06 MT 15.65 MT 347072.24
2 MOP 15688.00 30.00 MT 29.30 MT 0.7 MT 10981.60
16.35 MT 358053.84
Apparently, the above discrepancy occurred due to pilferage and misappropriation in connivance and collusion of the concerned officials manning the Sub-Depot as no case of theft has neither been reported to the superior officers of the Department nor the Police.
Considering the seriousness of the issue of pilferage of fertilizers meant for small and marginal farmers by probable diversion and sale in the black market, a case has been lodged by the Department at P.S. Orgrabraj to unravel the conspiracy and nexus between the concerned officials of the Department and private persons involved in the said illegal act and to take action against the culprits.
Further, the Department has also initiated disciplinary proceedings against the delinquent officials. The Department has thus taken swift action to send a stern message to Govt. servants involved in such acts of misconduct and financial irregularities.
