CLP demands CBI probe into 'PM Kisan Nidhi Scheme' anomalies

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The issue of ineligible farmers availing of the benefits under the PM Kisan Nidhi Scheme created an unruly scene in the Assam Assembly on Wednesday when Congress demanded a CBI inquiry into the anomalies. The Speaker, however, told the Opposition that the Government could not decide it within minutes in the Assembly.

Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia raised the issue during the Question Hour. He said, "It is crystal clear now that the list of PM Kisan Nidhi Scheme beneficiaries included some ineligible farmers. Since the scheme is in the name of the Prime Minister, the government should ensure a CBI probe into the anomalies."

Agriculture Minister Atul Bora said, "None other than the Agriculture Department first detected the inclusion of some ineligible farmers in the list of beneficiaries. We have taken action against some agriculture officers of Barpeta and other districts.

"The department conducted an additional chief secretary-level inquiry into the anomalies. Some of the ineligible farmers are genuine ones, but the lands they cultivate are in the names of their grandfathers. The Cabinet discussed the matter in detail in its last meeting. Now the Agriculture and the Revenue departments are working in tandem with each other. Some of the ineligible farmers may turn out to be eligible ones when bringing relaxations in the guidelines."

The Congress MLAs then created an unruly scene in the House demanding a CBI inquiry into the anomalies. They shouted slogans and displayed placards. The Speaker then said that the Government could not decide the matter of CBI inquiry within minutes inside the House.

Lone CPI(M) MLA Manoranjan Talukdar said, "The Agriculture sector has gone awry in the State. Adulterous fertilizers and substandard seeds have glutted the market. Farmers sow paddy seeds for better yield, but they get only chaffs."

Agriculture Minister Atul Bora then said, "The department doesn't have its former tainted image. As and when news of yielding chaff comes to light, the department orders investigation. In most cases, we find that the farmers buy seeds from private seed shops. We have suspended the licences of some 150 fertilizer shops on the issue of adulterous fertilizers. Of late, the agriculture sector is successful in exporting agricultural and horticultural produces abroad."

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