Chandigarh 27 June 2025 : On the instructions of Punjab Cabinet Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has issued Show Cause Notices (SCNs) to seven Chief Agriculture Officers (CAOs) for failing to meet the targets of the quality control campaign. This action follows the Minister’s directive for departmental action against districts lagging behind in the campaign to ensure accountability and reform.
Administrative Secretary of the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, Dr. Basant Garg, has taken action against the CAOs of the districts of Kapurthala, Barnala, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib, Tarn Taran, Sangrur, and Hoshiarpur. They have been instructed to respond within 7 days, failing which strict action will be taken as per the rules.
Reiterating the zero-tolerance policy of the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, against negligence in duty, Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian stated that officers showing carelessness in their responsibilities will be held accountable and punished.
He further informed that the Agriculture Department has formed five flying squad teams to regularly monitor and inspect agricultural products to protect farmers from exploitation. He appealed to farmers to always obtain a proper bill while purchasing seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. He also advised that if any dealer refuses to provide a bill or supplies substandard agricultural goods, farmers should immediately report the matter to their district agriculture office so appropriate action can be taken.
Summary:
The Punjab government is initiating strict measures and has issued notices to concerned officials, signaling accountability and action over administrative lapses or misconduct.