Farmers’ complaints heard during minister’s visit

Yaseen seeks a report on alleged corruption in the procurement drive

BAHAWALPUR: Food Minister Bilal Yaseen conducted surprise visits to wheat procurement centres in Bahawalpur and Noorpur Noranga.

District Coordination Officer Imran Sikandar Baloch accompanied him.

The minister reviewed the procurement process at the centres and checked records of gunny bag distribution. The minister also met farmers and asked about their problems. One of them complained that his name had been wrongly registered during gunny bag distribution process.

The minister then directed officials concerned to resolve his issue.

He said farmers should not be inconvenienced over mistakes of Food Department officials.

The minister also took notice of the complaint of farmers Sajjad Hussain and Muhammad Sarwar. They told the minister that Food Department officials at Noorpur Noranga procurement centre were overcharging.

The minister asked the DCO to investigate the claim and submit a report in this regard.

DCO Imran Sikandar Baloch told the minister arrangements for farmers at procurement centres had been ensured. He said they had been given a sitting area and had access to drinking water.

He said the entire staff Noorpur Noranga procurement centre had been replaced on the complaint of farmers.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 7^th, 2015.