Big Shake-Up Coming: Punjab Govt Orders Strict Action Against Underperforming Officials

Taking a strict stance against underperforming officers and employees, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khuddian has issued directives for departmental action against districts lagging behind in the quality control campaign. In order to ensure accountability and improvement, weekly reviews will also be conducted. Khuddian, along with the department’s administrative secretary Dr Basant Garg, reviewed the ongoing projects, schemes, and Kharif season operations of the Agriculture Department.

Strict Instructions Against Poor Performers

While reviewing the results of the quality control campaign, the agriculture minister took serious note of districts failing to meet targets and showing poor performance. He instructed the agriculture director to initiate departmental action against defaulting officers and ensure weekly reviews of the agricultural material sampling process. Gurmeet Singh Khuddian stated clearly that the Punjab government under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann will not tolerate any negligence regarding quality control, and strict action will be taken against officers and employees found guilty. He emphasised that the state government is committed to protecting the interests of farmers.

Focus on Quality Control and Accountability

To maintain quality control, Dr Basant Garg instructed the agriculture director to ensure proper sampling of agricultural products as per the targets assigned to all districts. He stressed the need for continuous monitoring and timely interventions to maintain quality standards. Director Jaswant Singh informed the minister that out of 826 pesticide samples, 16 were found to have incorrect branding. Among 737 fertiliser samples, 11 were substandard, leading to the registration of 2 FIRs. Additionally, 2,113 seed samples were tested, out of which 49 failed to meet quality standards. These samples were taken from April 1, 2025, onwards, and appropriate actions have been initiated against the guilty dealers and firms.

The director further stated that the agriculture department has constituted five flying squad teams to ensure farmers receive high-quality agricultural inputs. During the meeting, a review was also conducted on the ongoing sowing activities for the Kharif crop season in the state.