Farmers should not be forced to pay commission to middlemen: Upalokayukta to APMC

Karnataka Upalokayukta B. Veerappa, during a surprise inspection of the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) market in Hosapete on Saturday, directed the APMC authorities to ensure that farmers are not forced to pay commission to middlemen and ordered the immediate installation of signboards declaring that collection of commission from farmers is illegal.

During his visit to the APMC market, several farmers complained that officials and intermediaries were illegally collecting commission from them. Responding to the grievances on the spot, Mr. Veerappa instructed farmers not to pay commission under any circumstances and directed the APMC authorities to prominently display boards informing farmers that charging commission is prohibited by law.

To ensure that farmers were not being cheated in weighing their produce, the Upalokayukta checked the weighing machine by standing on it and verified its accuracy. He also examined whether the weighing equipment had been periodically calibrated and certified in accordance with government regulations.

Mr. Veerappa expressed displeasure over the poor maintenance of the drinking water facility at the market and pulled up officials for their negligence. He directed them to rectify the deficiencies immediately and provide a proper drinking water facility for farmers and the public.

Noting that farmers often arrive at the APMC market during the night and require a place to rest, he instructed the municipal authorities to grant permission for the construction of a shelter on the market premises at the earliest.

The Upalokayukta later inspected the city bus stand, where he visited the luggage room, toilets, waiting hall and commercial establishments. Examining sweets and other food items sold in shops, he warned traders against charging prices above the maximum retail price (MRP) and directed them not to sell expired food products under any circumstances.

During the inspection, students of Vijayanagara College complained about a lack of timely city bus services to their institution. Taking note of the issue, Mr. Veerappa instructed officials of the Transport Department to immediately introduce city bus services on the Vijayanagara College route.

Lokayukta Deputy Registrar Aravind, sub-divisional officer Vivekananda, District Urban Development Cell Project Director Manohar, Municipal Commissioner Eragudi Shivakumar, tahsildar Shruti M., and officials from various departments were present during the inspection.