Khurda: Making a mockery of government’s agricultural subsidy scheme, the stone mafia here are purchasing subsidised farm equipment like power tillers and tractors to use them in non-farming activities like illegal quarrying.
According to sources, rampant use of agricultural equipment in stone quarrying is seen in areas under Khurda, Begunia, Tangi and Jatni tehsils.
Sources said the stone mafia are taking loans from banks and purchasing agricultural equipment like power tillers and tractors either in their names or in the names of their relatives. They use the subsidised power tillers to cut laterite and black granite stones by fixing wheel cutters in them and transport the products through tractors. Since stone cutters cost around Rs 9 lakh in the open market, the mafia are raking in moolah by using the subsidised farm tools.
At a time when the government is losing revenue in providing farm subsidies, the benefit is reaped by the stone mafia, who undertake their activities day in and day out.
Meanwhile, raids conducted by the tehsil and police administration have turned out to be eyewash as the mafia are released after penalties are recovered from.
Exposing a nexus between the stone mafia and local administration, a stone mafioso, on condition of anonymity, said, “We have to bribe the officials for the purpose. They take monthly commissions from us to allow the use of farm equipment in stone mining.”
Khurda Sub-Collector Saroj Sahoo said, “We will take steps to crack down on illegal quarrying of laterite and black granite stones in the areas, and stop use of subsidised agricultural tools in non-farming activities.”