Despite prior claims of operational readiness, the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) has been asked to provide an explanation by the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court for why it has not opened many cotton buying centres throughout Maharashtra.
The CCI argued during the hearings that centres were not set up in regions with low cotton production, which drew harsh censure from the court. Shriram Satpute, the district organiser of Grahak Panchayat, filed the PIL, highlighting the challenges faced by cotton farmers in obtaining local procurement facilities and prompt reimbursement.
In October, the CCI informed the court that 121 cotton purchase centres were operational statewide, including 61 in Vidarbha. However, Satpute’s submissions pointed out discrepancies, prompting the court to request district-wise details. On Friday, the CCI updated its statement, confirming 128 functional centres, with 68 in Vidarbha.
When asked about the delay in establishing several centres, the CCI explained that some areas lacked sufficient cotton crops, making centres unnecessary. The court, however, criticised this response, questioning whether the CCI had conducted proper assessments before deciding on the need for purchase centres.
