Patna: The Bihar government has directed officials to launch a statewide campaign against encroachments on Bazar Samiti premises, with district authorities instructed to remove unauthorised structures and prevent illegal commercial activities at the sites.
According to the Agriculture Department, the action follows reports that haats, fairs and other commercial activities have been operating on Bazar Samiti premises without the approval of the competent authority.
Officials Asked to Conduct Regular Inspections
During a review meeting on Saturday, Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha instructed all Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs), who also serve as Special Officers of Agricultural Market Committees, to carry out regular inspections of Bazar Samiti premises.
According to the minister, officials have been asked to ensure that the premises remain free from encroachments and that no unauthorised activities are allowed to continue.
Unauthorised Haats and Fairs to Face Action
The Agriculture Department said no individual, institution or organisation should be permitted to organise haats, fairs, temporary markets or any other commercial activity within Bazar Samiti premises without prior authorisation.
Officials have been directed to immediately stop any such activity if it is found operating without permission and to initiate action against those responsible in accordance with the law.
According to the department, repeated complaints have been received about unauthorised events being organised on these properties.
Government Cites Legal Provisions
The minister said the operation of unauthorised markets and commercial activities on land managed by the Directorate of Agricultural Marketing is prohibited without approval from the competent authority.
He also referred to the provisions of Section 4 of the Repeal Act, under which the Special Officer is responsible for taking charge of all immovable assets belonging to the Agricultural Market Committee, including land and buildings.
Responsibility for Market Committee Assets
According to the department, Special Officers are also responsible for safeguarding movable assets, including cash, bank deposits, vehicles, tools, machinery, equipment and other property belonging to the Market Committee.
Officials are required to hold these assets on behalf of the State Government and carry out their responsibilities in accordance with directions issued by the Market Board Administrator and the government.
What’s Next
The Agriculture Department is expected to monitor compliance through district-level inspections in the coming weeks. Officials said action will be taken wherever encroachments or unauthorised commercial activities are found on Bazar Samiti premises.
