Namakkal: Farmers staged a road blockade near Pallipalayam in Namakkal district on Tuesday, accusing cooperative department officials of demanding bribes and carrying out irregularities in the procurement of sugarcane meant for distribution under the state government’s Pongal gift scheme for rice card holders, reports The Times of India.
The protest followed complaints from farmers that procurement had been delayed this year, prompting district collector Durga Moorthy to conduct a field inspection recently and direct officials to begin immediate procurement. However, after the process resumed, farmers alleged that officials resorted to corrupt practices.
On Tuesday, farmers gathered near the Samayasangili area and alleged that cooperative department officials were favouring certain suppliers. They claimed sugarcane was procured only from farmers who paid higher commissions. According to the protesters, officials demanded 400 sugarcanes free of cost for every 4,000 sugarcanes procured.
As part of the protest, farmers stopped a truck that arrived to load sugarcane and sat on the road, disrupting movement. The agitation was called off after Pallipalayam police intervened and pacified the protesters.
