Anbumani alleges ₹500-crore irregularities in regulated markets in T.N.; seeks probe

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader Anbumani Ramadoss on Saturday (March 7, 2026) alleged that irregularities amounting to nearly ₹500 crore had taken place in regulated markets across Tamil Nadu over the past five years.

In a statement, he said the State has 27 market committees overseeing 284 regulated markets, which are meant to facilitate the sale of farmers’ produce through a transparent auction system to ensure better prices for cultivators.

He alleged that the officials allegedly split works into smaller projects below ₹5 lakh to bypass approvals and audits, citing a 2018 government order that allows market committees to undertake works costing up to that amount without prior permission. This method was allegedly used to show expenditure on activities such as compound wall construction, painting, flooring, and electrical works.

He cited information obtained through the Right to Information Act, claiming that in Coimbatore district alone, market committees earned over ₹80 crore between 2021 and 2025, of which ₹76.47 crore was reportedly shown as spent, largely through works valued below ₹5 lakh.

Farmers have alleged that several of the works shown in records were either not carried out or only partially executed, he said. He further claimed that similar irregularities had occurred in regulated market yards across the State, with farmers’ organisations estimating the total misappropriation at around ₹500 crore over four years.

He urged the Tamil Nadu government to order an inquiry into the functioning of all 27 market committees and take action if irregularities are established.