Opposition attacks procurement norms in Haryana; CM Saini defends reforms

Chandigarh: The row over procurement norms in Haryana escalated on Wednesday, with opposition parties and farmer leaders intensifying their attack on the Nayab Singh Saini-led govt, even as the chief minister defended the changes, saying they were aimed at ensuring transparency.Saini accused the opposition of "spreading misinformation" about the procurement system and said the reforms were meant to make the process transparent, accountable and farmer-friendly."The govt is committed to procuring every single grain of farmers' produce," he said, adding that nodal officers have been appointed in every mandi, while senior officials are monitoring operations across districts. Deputy commissioners have been made in charge of procurement arrangements.Ministers and MLAs are also visiting mandis to review arrangements, he said, appealing to commission agents to cooperate "above political motives".However, the Congress and INLD stepped up their attack, flagging issues related to biometric verification and other formalities that farmers are required to complete before procurement.INLD leaders Abhay Chautala and Ram Pal Majra announced visits to mandis in protest, alleging that even seriously ill and elderly farmers were being brought for biometric verification.The Congress has also directed its MLAs to visit grain markets to ensure farmers do not face inconvenience.Farmer leader Suresh Koth criticised the govt, saying, "Farmers have to undergo biometric tests to sell their produce after working day and night in the fields."Reiterating th govt's stand after the cabinet meeting, Saini said the new measures would curb unauthorised activities and ensure faster, more efficient procurement.