64% of Fertiliser Inspector posts vacant in Madhya Pradesh

The Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilisers examined the implementation of the Fertiliser (Movement Control) Order, 1973, to assess how effectively the government prevents the illegal diversion of fertilizers and ensures they reach designated agricultural destinations as per central allocation policies.

This concerns the Department of Fertilisers, state governments responsible for enforcement, and the general public, particularly farmers and consumers who rely on the regulated distribution of fertilizers.

• The Committee recommended a comprehensive, time-bound review of the 1973 Order to align it with digital enforcement frameworks, strengthen penalties, and clarify central-state responsibilities.
• The Committee recommended the Department of Fertilisers prescribe a standardized Operating Procedure (SOP) for inspections, movement checks, verification via iFMS, seizure, and prosecution to reduce state-wise disparities.
• The Committee recommended filling critical vacancies in the fertiliser inspectorate in states with vacancy rates exceeding 30% and linking annual allocation reviews to enforcement capacity assessments.
• The Committee recommended integrating a repeat violator registry into the Integrated Fertiliser Management System (iFMS) and examining measures for expeditious disposal of pending criminal cases.
• The Committee recommended establishing formal information sharing mechanisms with neighboring countries to address cross-border smuggling to Nepal and Myanmar.
• The Committee recommended formulating a strategic reserve and contingency protocol for fertilizers to prepare for supply disruptions, noting the absence of a formal buffer stock policy.
• The Committee recommended establishing a real-time monitoring mechanism and mandatory registration of industrial users to prevent the large-scale diversion of neem-coated urea for industrial use.

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