Lucknow: The birth anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri were observed at the State Agricultural Produce Market Council office in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow. Director of the Council Jitendra Pratap Singh paid floral tributes to the two leaders and interacted with newly appointed Mandi secretaries.
Singh highlighted Gandhi’s message of truth and non-violence and Shastri’s values of simplicity, honesty and patriotism. He urged the newly appointed officials to give the highest priority to farmers’ convenience and work towards making market administration more transparent and efficient.
He said the Council was taking steps to strengthen the mandi system in line with the Uttar Pradesh government’s stated focus on farmer-oriented policies and transparent administration under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
The Director announced that newly appointed Mandi secretaries would receive special training to improve their operational capabilities. The training will cover mandi operations, departmental procedures, revenue processes, timely resolution of farmers’ grievances and effective administration of market facilities.
Emphasising accountability, Singh directed officials to ensure that farmers visiting mandis face no inconvenience. Regular monitoring of cleanliness, drinking water, lighting, parking and other essential facilities was stressed. He also called for time-bound resolution of complaints and transparency in all mandi-related processes.
Singh instructed Mandi secretaries to maintain regular dialogue with farmers and commission agents in their respective areas and monitor arrangements related to the purchase and sale of agricultural produce.
The training will also focus on dealing sensitively with farmers facing economic or other difficulties, ensuring that eligible beneficiaries receive government schemes and facilities, and resolving grievances efficiently.
Marketing Director T.K. Sheebu said continuous efforts were being made to make the mandi system more effective, transparent and farmer-friendly. He described Mandi secretaries as an important link between farmers and market administration and stressed the need for sensitivity, transparency and responsibility in their work.
Senior officials of the Mandi Parishad were present on the occasion.
