Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
The Haryana government has imposed a ban on the ‘kachchi parchi’ (temporary slip) system in grain markets following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
After the court’s intervention, the long-standing practice of issuing informal slips to farmers in Haryana’s mandis has finally been stopped. The PIL was filed by Dr. Virender Singh Lather, former Chief Scientist at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, through his advocate Pradeep Raparia.
In the petition, serious concerns were raised about the ‘kachchi parchi’ system, demanding its immediate discontinuation due to lack of transparency.
During the hearing, the High Court directed the Haryana government to issue a clear and concrete order within 30 days. Complying with the court’s directions, the state government took action on Wednesday, April 1, and issued strict instructions to all Market Committee Secretaries.
According to the government’s order, no commission agent (arhtiya) will be allowed to issue ‘kachchi parchi’ to farmers. Instead, after the purchase of crops, farmers must be provided with a ‘J-Form’, which will ensure transparency in transactions.
Dr. Lather also stated in his petition that the printed receipt should include the shop’s name, address, contact number, and date. Farmers should receive this receipt immediately after selling their crops to maintain clarity in transactions.
The petitioner further pointed out discrepancies between the payments made to farmers and official government records. He suggested that the government should introduce a 24/7 helpline so that farmers can lodge complaints without delay.
Additionally, officials have been instructed to ensure that farmers receive the ‘J-Form’ immediately after selling their produce, preventing delays in payments and eliminating any chances of malpractice.