MP Cong chief targets Mohan Yadav govt over mandi facilities, seeks audit of 110 high-revenue markets
Bhopal, Aug 21 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari on Friday targeted the BJP-led state government over alleged lack of basic facilities for farmers at agricultural markets, saying 110 mandis earning more than Rs 3 crore annually should be subjected to a public audit of their income and expenditure.
In a letter to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Patwari questioned why mandis generating substantial revenue through mandi and licence fees continued to lack basic amenities such as drinking water, toilets, shade, roads, seating arrangements and storage facilities.
Patwari said the Madhya Pradesh Mandi Board classifies mandis on the basis of revenue generated through mandi and licence fees. He argued that markets with higher income should have adequate financial resources to provide basic facilities to farmers.
The Congress leader cited the condition of several mandis to question the government’s priorities. He alleged that farmers at Raghogarh mandi lacked clean drinking water and a canteen, while roads, toilets and warehouses remained incomplete at the new vegetable market in Sidhi.
He also referred to reported shortages of shade, water and toilets at Sabalgarh mandi. “While collecting mandi fees, the farmer appears as a revenue contributor for the government, but when it comes to providing facilities, the same farmer disappears from the government’s priority,” Patwari wrote in his letter.
He questioned the utilisation of money collected as mandi fees from farmers and traders and asked why its impact was not adequately visible in the development of market yards.
Patwari also pointed out that the state government had sought proposals for improving basic facilities and strengthening old infrastructure in mandis.
He questioned why farmers visiting markets with annual revenues running into crores still had to struggle for basic amenities.
The Congress leader demanded a mandi-wise public audit of income, expenditure and facilities across the state. He also sought a time-bound infrastructure improvement plan for the 110 mandis earning more than Rs 3 crore annually.
“Charging farmers fees and then giving them poorly maintained mandis is not farmer welfare, but a tax of government neglect on farmers’ earnings,” he said.
Patwari urged the chief minister to take immediate cognisance of the issue and ensure adequate basic facilities for farmers at agricultural markets across the state.
–IANS
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