North News
Chandigarh, November 7
In a swift move following complaints of negligence, Punjab’s Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian has ordered the immediate suspension of Ferozepur’s Chief Agriculture Officer (CAO), Jagir Singh. The decision was made after a report from the Deputy Commissioner of Ferozepur, citing the CAO’s failure to perform his duties effectively in addressing the illegal storage of DAP fertiliser.
The suspension was enforced by Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Verma, who also issued a chargesheet under Rule 8 of the Punjab Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 1970. During the suspension, Singh will report to the Director of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in SAS Nagar.
The action comes after an inspection led by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Ferozepur, which uncovered nearly 162 metric tonnes (3,236 bags) of DAP stored illegally at M/S Sachdeva Traders. The firm failed to provide valid documentation for the storage, and the CAO could not offer a satisfactory explanation when questioned by the Deputy Commissioner.
The Punjab government had earlier issued clear directives for inspections to prevent the hoarding and illegal stockpiling of DAP fertiliser. Verma underscored that the government is committed to safeguarding farmers’ interests and promised strict legal action against anyone involved in such malpractice.
