Seven Punjab Cooperative department officers charge sheeted for supply of spurious Urea to farmers

Punjab News Express

Jun 28, 2026 - 23:00

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CHANDIGARH: In a major action aimed at safeguarding the interests of the farmers, the Punjab Government has issued charge sheet against seven key officers while transferring another in supply of subsidised agricultural-grade (Neem-Coated) Urea in place of Technical Grade Urea.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Punjab government said that the Department of Cooperation has taken prompt, comprehensive and time-bound action in the matter relating to the use of subsidized agricultural-grade (Neem-Coated) Urea in place of Technical Grade Urea.

Following a complaint, the Administrative Secretary, Department of Cooperation directed the Managing Directors of MARKFED and MILKFED to institute immediate fact-finding inquiries, fix responsibility for the lapses and submit Action Taken Reports without delay.

Simultaneously, on June 25 directions were issued to initiate Major Penalty disciplinary proceedings against the General Managers and the officers/officials responsible for procurement/purchase of Technical Grade Urea.

Acting promptly on these directions, MILKFED has issued Major Penalty Charge Sheets against the General Manager, Manager (AH) & Incharge Quality, Deputy Manager (Purchase & Store) / Incharge (F&A), and Senior Assistant/Incharge Purchase of the Khanna Cattle Feed Plant.

Similarly, MARKFED has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the officers found prima facie responsible and a Show Cause Notice has been issued to the Chief Manager, while Major Penalty Charge Sheets have been issued against the General Manager, Senior Accounts Officer (looking after Deputy CAO) and Senior Assistant (looking after Commercial Manager) under the applicable service rules. The concerned Senior Assistant (deployed as Commercial Manager) has also been transferred in administrative interest and keeping in view the possibility of GST-related irregularities and financial violations, the Department of Taxation was directed for necessary investigation.

Acting promptly, the Department of Taxation conducted an inspection of the business premises of M/s Indo Organic, Gidderbaha (Punjab) and directed the firm to produce its books of accounts and all relevant records for detailed verification. The Punjab Taxation Department has also detected suspected irregularities in the business activities of M/s Manisha Trading Co. (GSTIN: 07CHRPB3278F1Z7), New Delhi, and M/s A M Chemical (GSTIN: 06AETPG3373B1ZM), Sonipat, Haryana, in connection with the supply of goods declared as Technical Grade Urea. Verification indicates that the material supplied was allegedly Neem Coated Urea instead of the product declared in GST documents, raising suspicion of misdeclaration, wrongful availment/passing of input tax credit, and possible diversion of government-subsidized fertilizer.

The matter has been referred to the Principal Commissioner, CGST, New Delhi, and Panchkula, respectively, for detailed investigation and necessary action under the law. Further action will be taken in accordance with law based on the findings received from the concerned authorities.

Meanwhile, to prevent recurrence of such incidents and strengthen institutional safeguards, the Chief Minister has asked the Administrative Secretary, Department of Cooperation to direct MARKFED to initiate necessary action for becoming the nodal agency for procurement and supply of Technical Grade Urea in Punjab by sourcing the material directly from Government of India agencies/authorizedorganizations. This initiative is aimed at ensuring transparency, quality assurance and an efficient supply chain for cooperative institutions across the State.

The Chief Minister has made it clear that accountability shall be fixed at every level and no officer, official or entity found responsible for violating rules or misusing public resources shall be spared.

The Chief Minister said that ensuring transparency, integrity and accountability in the functioning of cooperative institutions remains one of the foremost priorities of the Government. He said that Punjab Government has categorically stated that the interests of the farmers of the State are paramount adding that every subsidy and every public resource meant for the farming community shall be protected, and the interests of farmers shall not be compromised under any circumstances. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that administrative as well as legal action shall continue to be taken against any individual or entity found misusing resources intended for the welfare of farmers.