In a strong move to protect the interests of sugarcane farmers, the Uttar Pradesh government has intensified its zero-tolerance policy against irregularities in the sugarcane procurement process for the 2024-25 crushing season. According to Pramod Kumar Upadhyay, Commissioner, Cane and Sugar, a total of 16,203 sugarcane purchase centers have been inspected so far, and strict action is being taken against those found guilty of malpractice.
The Commissioner informed that several officials, including sugar mill representatives, IT heads, and weigh clerks, who were involved in causing financial harm to farmers, are facing strict punitive measures. Recovery orders have also been issued against them.
Highlighting specific cases, Upadhyay said that in Gadora, Gorakhpur, an FIR has been lodged following evidence of under-weighing sugarcane. Similarly, FIRs have been registered against sugar mills involved in illegal sugarcane trading in Khambarkhera (Lakhimpur), Meerganj Majholi and Faridpur (Bareilly region), Sitarganj (Uttarakhand), and Belwara (Moradabad).
Further, during inspections at sugar mills and external purchase centers, 31 serious cases were identified. As a result, the licenses of 40 weigh clerks have been suspended, and 11 licenses have been cancelled. Additionally, authorities seized 3,073.91 quintals of illegally purchased sugarcane valued at over Rs. 11.26 lakh, and 14 FIRs have been lodged in connection with these cases.
Commissioner Upadhyay reiterated that the government is fully committed to the zero-tolerance policy against any actions that harm sugarcane farmers. He warned that strict disciplinary action will be taken against any staff or officials found complicit, to set an example and ensure accountability.
