Maharashtra State Cooperative Tribal Development Corporation Dismisses Regional Manager Over ₹27.9 Crore Grain Procurement Scam, Orders Full Recovery

Palghar, Maharashtra: The Maharashtra State Cooperative Tribal Development Corporation has dismissed a regional manager from service due to alleged irregularities in grain procurement and distribution, which reportedly caused a loss of ₹27.9 crore to the state government. In an order issued on Tuesday, the corporation also directed that the full amount of the loss be recovered from the dismissed officer.

The corporation, which is responsible for promoting the socio-economic development of tribal communities in Maharashtra, found irregularities in the procurement and distribution of grains specifically meant for tribal welfare schemes.

Multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) had been lodged in connection with these irregularities across various police stations, including Shahapur, Khinavli, Jawhar, Karjat, and Tokawde.

An internal inquiry revealed that the then regional manager of the corporation's Jawhar office in Palghar district failed to exercise proper oversight and control over office operations during his tenure in 2022-23. This dereliction of duty and lack of proper management led to gross mismanagement and significant financial losses.

"Due to the dereliction of duties and lack of proper control over the management of the department's office, the losses to the exchequer were to the tune of ₹27,91,55,232," the corporation's order stated.

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In light of these findings, the corporation has dismissed the officer, who was already under suspension, and explicitly ordered that the entire loss amount be recovered from him personally. The corporation has also directed the district collector to initiate Revenue Recovery Certificate (RRC) proceedings, an instrument used to recover dues as arrears of land revenue.