Tirunelveli District Collector Anand Mohan has issued a final ultimatum to the NCCF to disburse pending paddy procurement dues of ₹3 crore within one week, failing which legal proceedings will be initiated.

  • NCCF accused of withholding ₹3 crore in paddy payments for five months.
  • District Collector Anand Mohan set a strict one-week deadline.
  • Threat of FIR and banning NCCF from future procurement in the district.
  • Farmers protested at the Collectorate due to administrative delays.

The tension in Tirunelveli district escalated on Friday as farmers expressed outrage over the delayed disbursal of paddy procurement amounts. District Collector Anand Mohan has taken a hardline stance against the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Limited (NCCF), warning of imminent legal action if the remaining arrears are not settled within seven days.

During a grievance redressal meeting, Arunachalam, President of the Ambasamudram Farmers’ Association, highlighted the plight of agriculturists who have been waiting for five months. While the district administration's intervention successfully secured ₹87 crore of the total ₹90 crore owed, a significant sum of ₹3 crore remains unpaid, leaving a section of farmers in financial distress.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that such delays in agricultural payments create a ripple effect, impacting the liquidity of rural households and undermining the credibility of cooperative procurement agencies. This confrontation highlights the growing friction between grassroots farmers and apex consumer cooperatives.

"If you fail to keep up your promise of disbursing the remaining ₹3 crore within a week, I’ll order the registration of a case against the NCCF," - Collector Anand Mohan.

The atmosphere turned volatile when the NCCF representative offered the same repetitive assurances that had failed in previous meetings. Agitated farmers demanded the immediate registration of a criminal case against NCCF officials, citing perceived cheating. In response, Collector Mohan informed the assembly that he has already moved a proposal to the government to bar NCCF from procuring paddy in the Tirunelveli district in the future.

Beyond the financial disputes, the meeting also addressed critical irrigation concerns. Farmer Selvakumar raised alarms regarding the overgrowth of thorny bushes in the Tamirabharani – Karumaeniyar – Nambiyar river linking channel. The Collector assured that clearing operations would be completed before the northeast monsoon arrives. Additionally, requests for desilting the Palamadai and Kuppaikurichi irrigation tanks were noted for action.

The proceedings were briefly interrupted when farmers staged a walkout and protested in front of the administrative building, citing a delay in the meeting's commencement. Collector Mohan clarified that the delay was due to prior commitments to senior citizens but emphasized that the administration remains dedicated to resolving genuine grievances.

Did You Know?: The NCCF is the apex body of consumer cooperatives in India, playing a vital role in the nation's supply chain.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the total amount owed to the farmers?
Out of the total ₹90 crore, ₹87 crore has been paid, leaving a balance of ₹3 crore pending.

2. What action will be taken if the deadline is missed?
The Collector has threatened to register a legal case against NCCF officials and ban the organization from future procurement in the district.