Karnataka Upalokayukta Justice B Veerappa issued a stern reprimand to Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Belagavi officials and traders during a surprise inspection on Thursday, citing a severe lack of transparency and unfair pricing for farmers. The judge, who was in the district for a three-day visit, expressed serious concern that transactions were being conducted without receipts or proper weight records, effectively treating the public market like a private entity.
During the inspection, Justice Veerappa interviewed officials and farmers, demanding details on trade receipts, commissions, and regulatory compliance. He was particularly dissatisfied with the unhygienic conditions of the APMC premises and the absence of adequate facilities for market participants. The judge specifically noted that traders purchasing vegetables from farmers were failing to issue purchase receipts, and he questioned them regarding the source of the produce, the prices paid, and the missing documentation.
The Upalokayukta also objected to unauthorized individuals purchasing vegetables directly from farmers, bypassing standard market protocols. One farmer, Nagappa Tanashi, who had brought vegetables to the market, stated that he received Rs 2,000 for his coriander but was required to pay a 10 per cent commission without receiving any receipt for the transaction. Justice Veerappa directed APMC Belagavi Secretary Vishwanath Reddy to appear immediately at the spot, reprimanding him for the lapses and the unfair treatment of farmers. He further questioned the officials about the whereabouts of the official receipt books.
The judge highlighted significant infrastructure deficiencies, including poor parking arrangements and the improper storage of vegetables inside the drinking water facility. He criticized the management, stating that the market appeared to be run according to the secretary’s personal whims rather than established regulations. Justice Veerappa emphasized that traders are not permitted to collect commission from farmers, a practice both farmers and traders admitted to, and noted the absence of a notice board displaying market regulations and information on approaching the Lokayukta for grievance redressal.
