Amarpali: Both the state and Central governments have executed a host of schemes for welfare of farmers. The state is implementing KALIA while the centre has Pradhan Mantri Kisan Yojana. But over 15,000 eligible farmers are still deprived of the benefits of the schemes in Birmaharajpur block of Subarnapur district. As per official guidelines, a person who has a ration card, less than five acre of land and none of his/her family members in government service is entitled to get assistance under KALIA and PM Kisan Yojana.
As per reports, there are 23,529 people in 25 panchayats under Birmaharajpur block entitled to get benefits under both schemes. Of them, 8,206 people have been provided financial assistance under both schemes. However, the schemes’ benefits have eluded as many as 15,293 eligible farmers. In Bagbar panchayat, 2,284 farmers are eligible, but only 821 have received assistance.
Of 1,478 eligible farmers in Bahalpadar panchayat, only 52 have got assistance. Only 131 out of 747 eligible farmers have received such benefits in Lutupank; 474 out of 970 in Durjantaila; 575 out of 2,607 in Hilung; 275 in Champamal; 833 out of 1,717 in Kenjhariapal; 862 out of 2,507 in Khandahata; 99 out of 1,487 in Subalaya; 300 out of 1,256 in Pitamahal; 935 out of 2,354 in Mursundhi and 722 out of 2,174 in Ufula panchayats. The deprived farmers have expressed their displeasure over it. They alleged that at some places, more than one person in many families have been provided assistance under the two schemes.
Social activists have blamed the ineffectiveness of the schemes on poor awareness among farmers and faulty selection of beneficiaries. Many farmers are unable to produce right documents to claim their benefits in time. Contacted, block agriculture officer Makardhwaj Patel said that the farmers who consider themselves deserving of the benefits have to apply before October 16 to get assistance.
