The action on NAFED seems caught up in red tapism as nobody seems willing to bell the cat. Rajeev Gupta, the Managing Director who took charge in October has to make a move but when-remains a million dollars question.
NAFED was flummoxed when many big wigs were issued the recovery notices. The action could have been initiated right at the time but the management dilly-dallied on the issue. Instead, it wasted time over the process of writing and receiving letters with the office of Central Registrar.
The agricultural Ministry’s point of view was clear. It said it has nothing to do in the matter. It can tell about rules and give the road map but journey per se, has to be undertaken by Nafed itself.
As recently as a couple of days back, the office of Central Registrar has reiterated its earlier stand, Indian Cooperative.com has learnt.
The indecisiveness of NAFED emanates from the fact that the accused have approached the office of Additional Secretary. The date of hearing is February 20. Should Nafed begin the process of recovery even when the matter is pending in the court of Additional Registrar?
The Ministry has given an unequivocal reply to this. It says until there is a stay on the order of Central Registrar from any court, the order stands valid and Nafed is free to act.
But who will act- remains a big question.
Those who have to deposit money are no small fries. Homi Rajvansh, the man accused of departing with a major part of loot is already in jail. Alok Ranjan, the then Managing Director is still a serving IAS officer with the government of Uttar Pradesh.
Meena Singh, the wife of late Chairman of NAFED Ajit Singh is a JDU Member of Parliament. Vishal Singh, the son of Ajit Singh against whom the recovery order has been issued is on the board of not
less than three cooperative federations including Nafed, NCCF and NCUI. Others in the list are also men of influence.
Efforts to contact the Managing Director of NAFED Mr Rajeev Gupta have failed so far. Will he wait until the matter is disposed by the court of Additional Secretary or would he act right now is not yet clear.