Laxity on the part of officials seems to have impeded the State government’s efforts to ameliorate the sufferings of over 13 lakh farmers who have suffered massive crop loss on account of unseasonal rains and hailstorm in Uttar Pradesh. Thanks to official apathy, coupled with the slow pace of relief work, the distressed farmers have been handed compensation cheques which have bounced, and despite repeated warnings, officials’ attitude has not changed.
With reports of bounced cheques pouring in from several of the 67 affected districts, Revenue and Irrigation Minister Shivpal Singh Yadav warned officials of stern action if the compensation cheques bounced.
Mr. Yadav, who was on a fact-finding visit to Mohammadpur Pipiganj in Gorakhpur district on Wednesday, cautioned the officials to ensure that the cheques were credited into the accounts of the farmers. “Relief money to the districts has been sent by the government,” the Minister said. Mr. Yadav said following a fresh survey of crop damage, an estimated 95.13 lakh hectares crop had been found lost. A fresh proposal of Rs. 6,000 crore has been sent to the Centre for immediate relief of the farmers.
Official sources said the money distributed to the farmers by the insurance companies under the Crop Insurance Plan was insufficient in the context of the quantum of damage to crops suffered by them. The Revenue Minister directed the insurance companies that 25 per cent of the compensation money be disbursed to farmers at the earliest. Mr. Yadav said action would be taken against the insurance companies whose cheques bounced.
Sources said while some insurance companies had made the payment to farmers in instalments, others had made part payment and some companies had made no payment at all.
