Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, a 2012 batch IAS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre, has issued stringent directives to divisional commissioners and district magistrates to ensure uninterrupted availability of fertilizers, including urea and DAP, across the state during the peak sowing season. In a video conference held with top administrative and agriculture officials, he emphasized the importance of maintaining stock levels and strict enforcement of pricing norms.
“No sale of fertilizers should be allowed above the fixed price. Strict action will follow if violations are reported,” Singh warned. He underscored that sufficient quantities of urea and DAP are already available statewide, but proactive distribution is essential.
Daily Review Meetings to Be Held for Two Weeks
To ensure on-ground monitoring, the Chief Secretary ordered all divisional and district officials to conduct daily review meetings at 10 AM for the next 15 days. These meetings will involve departments of agriculture, cooperation, and other relevant agencies to ensure real-time monitoring and coordination.
If any sales center exhausts 80–90% of its fertilizer stock, immediate replenishment must be arranged. Transparency is to be maintained during every transaction, and mandatory receipts must be issued to farmers. Hoarding of fertilizers, especially by private sellers, is to be strictly prohibited.
Special Focus on Border Districts, Tagging and Compliance
Singh also stressed that border districts must be monitored with additional vigilance to prevent unauthorized movement and black marketing of fertilizers. Private retailers must comply with fixed pricing and product tagging norms, with penalties for violations.
Statewide Push for Plant Care and Anganwadi Infrastructure
In a parallel effort to boost the environment, the Chief Secretary directed officials to take “concrete steps for the care and protection of plantation drives” carried out across the state on July 9. This includes assigning responsibility for maintenance to local bodies and ensuring regular monitoring.
Singh also discussed the effective utilization of vacant government school buildings, especially in rural areas. The use of these facilities as Anganwadi centers is being considered by a district-level committee headed by the respective District Magistrates.
He noted that Anganwadi centers housed in former school buildings should be child-friendly and secure, particularly since they cater to children aged 3–6. These facilities will now hold the status of “Bal Vatikas”, offering pre-primary learning support.
Clarification on School Pairing Initiative
Responding to recent criticism and misinformation, Singh clarified that the school pairing policy, aimed at pooling resources and improving education quality, is constitutional and in public interest. The move is designed to enhance infrastructure utilization and improve learning outcomes for children, especially in under-resourced areas.
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Key Officials Present at the Meeting
The meeting was attended by senior officials including:
- Agriculture Production Commissioner Deepak Kumar
- Principal Secretary Agriculture Ravindra Kumar
- Principal Secretary Forest Anil Kumar
- Director General of School Education Kanchan Verma
