Check irregularities in PM Kisan scheme: HC

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court on Wednesday directed secretaries of Department of Agriculture and Tamil Nadu Director General of Police to file counter affidavit in a plea seeking action against Vedasandur Assistant Agriculture Officer alleging irregularities in PM Kisan scheme.

“The public interest litigation petition filed by A. Sivaperumal of Nallamannarkottai village came up for hearing before a Division Bench of Justice N. Kirubakaran and Justice K. Pugazhendi. The petitioner claimed that over thousand farmers have been relying on agriculture especially paddy crop and coconut at Nallamannarkottai village in Vedasandur taluk, but the Vedasandur Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO) Theivendran allegedly provided loans to several persons, who are not actual farmers and not even eligible for availing such loans under the Prime Minister’s Kisan scheme. Moreover, some functionaries of the ruling party were behind such irregularities.

The AAO, who took Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000, from ineligible farrmers, approved loans for them. He also refused to give loan without a letter from MLA. Despite complaints twice in April and also in May and on August 12 this year, no action was taken. The bench, who wanted the irregularities checked, questioned the involvement of officials and asked about its current status. Further, the bench asked about schemes implemented for farmers’ welfare over last ten years and also about allocation of funds and whether it reached out to eligible beneficiaries (farmers).

The bench, taking it up suo motu, included agriculture secretaries of central and state as respondents. The bench also opined that it’s not good sign as farmers were not in a position to determine the price of farm produce. It’s a matter of concern that farmers were being exploited and MSP was fixed for the farm produce. The case was adjourned to October 15.