Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI: Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Gaurav Gogoi wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to review beneficiaries of the ‘Assistance to Entrepreneur for Establishment of Commercial Dairy Farming (2022-23) Scheme in Assam’.
In his letter, Gogoi said, “This scheme receives substantial financial support from the Government of Assam. Each unit is eligible for up to 50 lakh in subsidy. The objective is to promote genuine entrepreneurship in the dairy sector and strengthen milk production across the region. However, multiple reports and official documentation point to irregularities in the selection of beneficiaries. Several recipients of the scheme’s benefits appear to be family members or associates of ministers and MLAs in the state government, while long-standing dairy farmers, particularly in districts like Bongaigaon, have reportedly been overlooked despite having applied multiple times and fulfilling the eligibility requirements. The exclusion of experienced dairy entrepreneurs raises concerns about the fairness and transparency of the selection process.”
Gogoi said, “Equally alarming is the response from the Chief Minister of Assam, who chose to justify the inclusion of ministers’ family members in the list of dairy scheme beneficiaries. This open endorsement of political favouritism has fuelled public outrage for undermining the constitutional values of equality and justice. It also reflects a serious breach of the oath of office, which obliges public representatives to act impartially and in the public interest, casting doubt on the state government’s adherence to ethical governance and the rule of law.”
Gogoi said, “The Gorukhuti agricultural project has also come under scrutiny. Funded through public money and intended for community benefit, the project included the procurement of high-yield Gir cows from Gujarat. Official records indicate that these were allocated to several elected representatives, including the firm owned by the wife of Jayanta Malla Baruah (Cabinet Minister & MLA, Nalbari), Bhupen Pegu (MLA, Jonai), Utpal Borah (MLA, Gohpur), Diganta Kalita (MLA, Kamalpur), and Dilip Saikia (Member of Parliament). The diversion of resources and livestock under a project supported by over Rs 25.5 crore in public funds compromises the very objective of government programmes designed to promote inclusive development.”
Gaurav Gogoi said that these actions go against the very principles of transparency, accountability, and equitable access. “If politically connected individuals are allowed to syphon off benefits meant for the poor, we risk alienating the very people these schemes are meant to uplift. In the interest of justice and public trust, I urge your office to instruct the government to initiate an enquiry into the matter at the earliest,” he added.
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