Complaints Mount; Koraput Sets Up Panels to Probe SHG Procurement

Koraput | Dec 1, 2025 - In response to rising complaints over mismanagement in the paddy procurement process, the Koraput district administration has ordered an inquiry into 24 women self-help groups (SHGs) engaged in procurement across Jeypore sub-division. The probe comes just days ahead of the official procurement rollout scheduled for December 14.

The administration has constituted five block-level committees in Jeypore, Kotpad, Borigumma, Kundra and Boipariguda to audit the performance, infrastructure and operations of the SHGs. These groups, selected by the Civil Supplies department, have been handling procurement activities during both rabi and kharif seasons.

The decision follows widespread allegations from multiple quarters. Complaints include the absence of basic infrastructure at SHG procurement points, forcing groups to depend heavily on government facilities. Despite minimal investment, the SHGs reportedly receive significant commissions from the Civil Supplies department. Concerns have also surfaced regarding middlemen controlling several SHGs, reducing actual members to nominal beneficiaries.

These issues were flagged during a recent meeting of the district-level paddy procurement committee chaired by Koraput Collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan, where members expressed dissatisfaction over the functioning of the SHGs and demanded immediate action.

Nabarangpur MP Balabhadra Majhi, along with other committee members, recommended an independent probe before allowing the SHGs to participate in the upcoming procurement season. Acting on this suggestion, the five committees comprising local BDOs, marketing inspectors, cooperative officials and Mission Shakti representatives have been tasked with inspecting records, operations and ground-level activities.

The committees are expected to submit their reports by the end of next week. The participation of all 24 SHGs in the procurement process will depend on the inquiry findings, sources confirmed.

Jeypore BDO Shakti Mohapatra said, “We have already received instructions to examine the functioning and performance of SHGs engaged in paddy procurement. Necessary action is being taken in this regard.”

Farmers’ groups and local stakeholders have welcomed the probe, hoping it brings transparency and smooth operations ahead of the December 14 procurement rollout.