House committee to probe into fertiliser crisis

Patna, Dec 13 (UNI) Bihar Assembly Speaker Udai Narayan Choudhry today announced to constitute a committee of the Lower House to probe into the crisis and illegal marketing of fertilisers in the state.

Considering the request of the members for constituting a committee of the House to probe into the matter, Mr Choudhry announced to constitute a committee with a direction to submit its report within 20 days.

Replying to a short notice question of CPM member Ramdeo Verma, Bihar Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh informed about raids conducted in Patna, Nalanda and Bhojpur districts, adding that actions had been taken to check the growth of fertiliser black markets.

He further assured that a district fertiliser committee had been constituted for proper distribution among farmers, and the House committee was holding meetings for the purpose.

He also requested the members of the House to camp in their respective districts and cooperate in the mission.

During his reply, Mr Singh stated that the short supply of fertilisers from the Centre has created the shortage of the different varities of fertilisers in the state.

Unimpressed with the reply, Mr Verma and other members blamed the state government for "blackmarketing" of fertilisers, which had resulted in a crisis.

Speaking at the top of their voices, Mr Verma and other members of the left parties came to the well and demanded a probe into the matter.

However, amidst the commotion, the Minister suggested instituting a probe into the supply and lifting of fertilisers till date. He said apart from the illegal marketing, the actual availability of fertiliser and delay in receiving its rack should also be probed.

UNI