APW alleges Rs 48-crore scam in agriculture department

By Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, February 11: The Assam Public Works (APW) today fired another salvo at former agriculture minister Nilamonisen Deka, alleging a Rs 48-crore scandal in distribution of lime to farmers.

The scam took place in fiscal 2011-12. The Star Agro Enterprise was roped in as the supplier, Abhijeet Sarma of APW told a press conference today.

He alleged that initially, the contractor and officials connived to misappropriate the entire amount. “But when the matter came to light, they brought some lime from Bhutan and then mixed a waste material from the Jagiroad Paper Mill that resembled lime and then supplied it to the farmers,” Sarma said.

He alleged that some top officials of the agriculture department were in cahoots with the contractor. The APW has filed a case with the CID in this connection, but the organization alleged that the investigating agency has not yet taken any action. The APW also alleged that funds amounting to Rs 2 crore, sanctioned by the Centre in 2011-12, were spent to buy luxury vehicles for the minister and officials.