LAHORE (February 28 2004): Sugarcane Growers Association (SGA) has made an appeal to government to initiate probe into the complaints of sugarcane growers regarding under weighing & underpayment charges against all sugar mills in Punjab through National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

In a letter written to governor Punjab, Convenor Sugarcane Growers Association, Javed Malik said that since action of the sugar mills was a white-collar crime, hence NAB was fully equipped to conduct the inquiry and bring the culprits to book for the sake of national interests. "We may suggest that Cane Commissioner Punjab should conduct surprise raids at different sugar mills of Punjab to check the malpractices", he said.

Giving the example of non-co-operation of government functionaries, he said that two notices were served upon him to appear before the Inquiry Officer (IO)- DDO Tandlianwala on February 13 and 24.

On both the dates sugarcane growers from all the four corners of Tandlianwala sub division had come long way to join the inquiry, but to their utter disappointment, IO DDO sub-division Tandlianwala was not present in his office on both occasions.

This was the height of irresponsibility on the part of a responsible officer like DDO who was also Assistant Cane Commissioner of sub division.

Courtesy Business Recorder