Congress seeks SIT probe into ₹2.10 trillion organic cotton scam

The Congress party on Saturday demanded a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the ₹2.10 trillion organic cotton scam, alleging government complicity in the scandal. The scam involves large-scale discrepancies in the certification of organic cotton in Madhya Pradesh.

The party also called for the immediate implementation of Tracenet 2.0, criminal action against fraudulent ICS (Internal Control System) groups, and fair compensation for the exploited farmers.

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Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said the scam involves the sale of conventional cotton falsely labelled as organic, with exporters earning up to six times the usual profit. He accused the government of inaction despite repeated violations of its own directives since 2017.

Demanding a thorough investigation led by the CBI under the supervision of a sitting High Court judge, Singh urged action against certification bodies and ICS groups involved in the scam.

He also called for fair compensation to affected farmers, noting that the scam has severely damaged India’s reputation in the global organic market.

Several international agencies have reportedly withdrawn recognition of Indian certifiers after restricted chemicals were detected in supposedly organic products.