Allegations of Corruption in APMC Shop Allotments by Former CM Jairam Thakur
Corruption Claims in APMC Shop Allotments
S Gopal Puri
Shimla: Jairam Thakur, the former Chief Minister and current Leader of Opposition, has leveled serious accusations against the government led by Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, alleging widespread corruption in the recent distribution of shops at Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs). He claims that the interests of state revenue and farmers are being sacrificed for the benefit of a select few.
Thakur pointed out that at Parala Mandi, shops that were auctioned for amounts ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹83,000 a decade ago are now being allotted for as little as ₹4,800. He accused the government of intentionally setting low base prices and manipulating the application process to favor certain individuals.
“This is organized theft under government protection,” Thakur stated. “Most applications were dismissed, leaving only those chosen by the government. This has led to significant losses for the state treasury, while farmers and orchardists—who should be the primary beneficiaries—are left in hardship.”
The BJP leader also criticized the government for its evasive responses when BJP MLA Randhir Sharma raised the matter in the Assembly. Frustrated with the lack of satisfactory answers, BJP members staged a walkout from the House.
Thakur provided details indicating that at the APMCs of Parala, Tutu, and Shilaroo, 133 applications were submitted for 70 available shops. However, 63 applications were rejected, and the remaining 70 shops were allocated to applicants allegedly connected to the government, at prices only slightly above the base rate.
He questioned the rationale behind shops that previously sold for up to ₹83,000 now being allotted for just ₹4,800. Thakur argued that the substantial funds lost in this process could have been utilized to enhance APMCs, significantly benefiting farmers and orchardists.
“The so-called government of change has merely altered the scale of corruption. New records of corruption are being established daily,” Thakur asserted, calling for the cancellation of all shop allotments, the issuance of new tenders, and strict action against those accountable.