Farmers, like criminals, forced to pose with slate around their neck

Gulabganj Naib tehsildar Hemant Sharma made farmers pose for photo with display board dangling around their neck, like criminals, during survey of damaged crops. As soon as the news spread, Vidisha collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh ordered inquiry by sub-divisional magistrate (SDM). Leader of opposition (LoP) Gopal Bhargava has also condemned the government over the incident and registered his protest. According to information, survey of damage to crops due to rain is underway. Sharma, recently selected through State Administrative Service (SAS), wanted to be more precise in survey and got farmers pose for photograph with display board hanging around their necks. The display board contained information about damage to the crop. The photographs taken gave impression of photographs of jail inmates. The display board flashed information, including name of farmer and crop, Khasra number and details about the land. Bhargava said it was highly condemnable on the part of the government to get survey done with slates tied around the necks of farmers similar to offenders. Bhargava claimed that the government, instead of giving relief to affected farmers was insulting them. He alleged that the government instead of giving relief to farmers was treating them as criminals.

On the other hand, collector reiterated that orders to stop taking such photographs during survey have been issued. SDM has been instructed to investigate the matter. Collector said action would be taken if anyone was found taking such photographs of farmers forcibly.