Haryana Raxil drug purchase scam

Haryana Raxil Drug Purchase Scam refers to a significant controversy that emerged in the Indian state of Haryana, involving the procurement of the fungicide Raxil 2DS (Tebuconazole) for treating wheat seeds. The scandal, which came to light in 2012, involved allegations of corruption, favoritism, and financial irregularities in the purchase of the fungicide by the Haryana government, leading to widespread criticism and calls for investigation.

Background

The controversy began when the Haryana government, under the Department of Agriculture, procured a large quantity of Raxil 2DS, a fungicide produced by Bayer CropScience, for treating wheat seeds. The procurement was made without following the standard tendering process, raising questions about the transparency and fairness of the transaction. Furthermore, the fungicide was purchased at a price significantly higher than the market rate, leading to allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption.

Controversy

The core of the controversy revolved around several key issues:

• Lack of Approval: Raxil 2DS was not approved by the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC) for use on wheat seeds in India, raising concerns about the safety and efficacy of the product.
• Procurement Process: The Haryana government bypassed the standard tendering process, opting instead for a direct purchase from Bayer CropScience, which violated procurement norms and guidelines.
• Financial Irregularities: The fungicide was purchased at a price significantly higher than the market rate, leading to suspicions of overpricing and financial loss to the state exchequer.
• Conflict of Interest: Allegations surfaced regarding the involvement of high-ranking officials in the Haryana government, who were accused of having personal interests in the transaction.

Investigations and Aftermath

Following widespread media coverage and public outcry, the Haryana government faced pressure to investigate the allegations. Several agencies, including the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), were called upon to examine the procurement process, financial transactions, and regulatory approvals related to the Raxil 2DS purchase.

The investigations revealed lapses in the procurement process, including the absence of competitive bidding and discrepancies in pricing. However, the outcomes of these investigations and any subsequent legal actions have been complex and ongoing, with various stakeholders, including government officials and Bayer CropScience, defending their actions.

Impact

The Haryana Raxil Drug Purchase Scam had several implications:

• It highlighted the need for transparency and adherence to procurement norms in government transactions.
• The controversy underscored the importance of regulatory approvals for agricultural chemicals and the potential risks of using unapproved substances.
• It led to increased scrutiny of government procurement processes, especially in the agriculture sector, and calls for reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.

See Also

• Corruption in India
• Agriculture in Haryana
• Pesticide regulation in India