Paddy Smuggling On Rise In Balaghat, GPS Norms Flouted Despite Govt Orders

Balaghat (Madhya Pradesh): Despite clear government directives, GPS devices are not being installed in vehicles transporting government-procured paddy and custom-milled rice in Balaghat district.

This violation has led to widespread smuggling and black marketing of paddy, particularly to neighbouring states like Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh.

The Food Supply and Consumer Protection Department had issued letters on November 8 and 22, 2024, making GPS mandatory in all vehicles used for transporting paddy and depositing rice.

Reinforcing these instructions, the District Manager of the Civil Supplies Corporation, Balaghat, on March 24, 2024, ordered all contracted rice millers to strictly use GPS-equipped vehicles for both purposes during the Kharif marketing year 2024–25.

It was clearly stated that non-GPS vehicles would not be allowed for transportation. Yet, several cases have emerged where paddy and rice are being moved using unauthorised vehicles, raising serious concerns of administrative negligence and possible collusion.

In a recent incident, three trucks carrying nearly 400 quintals of paddy worth Rs 20 lakh were intercepted while heading towards Godia instead of Chhindwara. The vehicles had no GPS systems installed. On the orders of the District Food Supply Officer, the trucks were seized and the paddy was shifted to a warehouse in Katangi.

While a copy of the directive has been sent to the Collector, NAN officials, and all relevant stakeholders, ground-level enforcement appears weak. Repeated violations suggest possible administrative protection, as several offenders have reportedly been let off without action.