IRREGULARITIES GOING ON BISCOMAUN FOR YEARS

IRREGULARITIES GOING ON BISCOMAUN FOR YEARS

4-JULY-ENG 5

RAJIV NAYANN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------Biscoman (BISCOMAUN), the largest cooperative sector institution in Bihar and Jharkhand, was once known as an institution working in the interest of farmers, but in the last few years, this institution is becoming synonymous with corruption, irregularities and scams. The way doubts and questions have been raised in matters related to transactions of crores of rupees, purchase and sale of fertilizers and seeds, warehouse construction and recruitments, is a clear indication that a judicial investigation of this institution has become necessary.

Irregularities in fertilizer and seed distribution: Farmers do not get fertilizers and seeds on time, and when they get them, they are either at higher prices or of poor quality. Arbitrariness of dealers, fake billing and manipulation of records have become common. This not only breaks the farmers financially, but also affects agricultural production. Lack of transparency in the recruitment process: Serious allegations of nepotism and bribery have been leveled in the appointments to various posts in Biscoman. Jobs were given on the basis of recommendation and money, ignoring merit, which caused injustice to talented youth. Financial manipulation and accounting irregularities: There is a possibility of large-scale irregularities in the financial documents and transactions of the organization. Many examples of misleading figures in the accounts, irregularities in bills and payments have come to light. There is also a possibility of ignorance or connivance of these cases by the top management of the organization. Building construction and warehouse scams: There has been a huge lack of quality in the warehouses built by Biscoman in many districts. There was no transparency in the contracting system, due to which public money was misused. At many places, warehouse construction is incomplete or not usable.

What are the demands of the public?: An independent investigation should be conducted into the functioning of Biscoman under the supervision of the CBI or the High Court. Strict legal action should be taken against those officers, contractors or employees who have betrayed the interests of the public and farmers. The functioning of the institution should be linked to a digital and transparent system. A permanent monitoring committee should be formed to avoid such irregularities in future.

It is necessary to curb the culture of corruption: If an institution like Biscoman becomes a center of corruption, it is not only a loss to the farmers but to the entire cooperative system. If this institution works properly, it can improve the lives of millions of farmers, but if it remains immersed in corruption, its very existence will be in danger.

To maintain the interests of the farmers of Bihar and Jharkhand, the safety of public money and the dignity of the cooperative sector, it is a crime to remain silent now. A public and impartial inquiry into the irregularities that have been going on in Biscoman for years is the need of the hour. The culprits should not be spared. The government should take immediate action on this issue and restore the confidence of the public.