Dispute between contractor, officials causes glut in Fazilka

Our Correspondent

Fazilka, October 18

There has been glut in the grain market in the district following a dispute between a contractor and government officials over paddy lifting. Official sources said 4.5 lakh bags of paddy are yet to be lifted from the grain market.

After the cancellation of cartage contract of Nishant Gumber by the District Food and Supplies Controller (DFSC) on October 14 on the allegation of tardy lifting, the process has come to a standstill in the grain market during the peak season.

Gumber challenged the cancellation of the orders in the Punjab and Haryana High Court on October 16. The court stayed the impugned orders of the DFSC.

The respondents in the case include the Secretary and Director, Food and Supply and Consumer Affairs, Fazilka; MLA Davinder Singh Ghubaya and his father Sher Singh Ghubaya; DC; SSP and the DFSC.

Ghubaya and his father had staged a protest to get the contract cancelled and finally, their demand was acceded, but the court stayed the proceedings.

“I shall restart lifting only after getting protection from the police as some truck operators who had come to lift paddy a few days ago were allegedly assaulted by the president of the Truck Operators Welfare Society,” said Gumber.