By Sunil Jena
Editor-in-Chief, The Politics Odia
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government’s Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department has once again come under political and public scrutiny over issues related to mandi management, fuel supply and administrative functioning.
Over the past two years, complaints regarding mandi irregularities, LPG availability and petrol supply management have repeatedly surfaced across different parts of the state. The recent visuals of long queues outside petrol pumps have further intensified criticism of the department’s handling of essential supplies.
The debate gained fresh momentum after Food Supplies Minister Krushna Chandra Patra publicly acknowledged that the controversial practice of “cutni-chhatni” during paddy procurement still exists in parts of Odisha.
For years, farmers had alleged irregular deductions and manipulation during paddy procurement at mandis, but official acceptance of the issue remained limited. The minister’s recent remarks at a departmental officers’ conference have now triggered sharp political reactions.
During the meeting, the minister warned officials against encouraging such practices and stated that strict action would be taken against officers found supporting irregularities in procurement processes.
Opposition parties have used the statement to attack the government, arguing that the acknowledgement itself reflects serious administrative failure. Critics claim that despite repeated assurances of reform, farmers continue to face difficulties at procurement centres.
The issue has become politically sensitive because agriculture and farmer welfare remain central to Odisha’s rural economy and electoral politics. Political observers believe that public frustration over procurement irregularities, combined with concerns regarding fuel and essential commodity management, could influence the broader perception of governance in the state.
As the debate continues, attention is now focused on whether the government will introduce visible reforms in the supply department and procurement system or whether the issue will continue to fuel political confrontation in Odisha.
