Bhubaneswar: The Lokayukta of Odisha has come to the rescue of hundreds of farmers in Mayurbhanj district, who had sustained heavy crop loss due to pest attack, by ensuring payment of compensation to them.
Acting on a complaint filed by a farmers’ club in Kaptipada tehsil, the paddy crop of 736 farmers was severely damaged by pest attack in 2017-18. Though Kaptipada tehsildar had drawn the attention of Udala sub-collector and Mayurbhanj collector to provide financial assistance to the affected farmers, the district administration remained indifferent to the issue.
Intervening in the matter on the basis of the report of the tehsildar, the Lokayukta directed the collector to respond regarding the steps taken by him to compensate the farmers. The Lokayukta also drew the attention of the Special Relief Commissioner and additional chief secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Department.
Following the Lokayukta’s intervention, Rs 19,10,476 was released for payment towards agricultural input subsidy among the affected farmers of the tehsil. While directing the collector to ensure early disbursement of the amount, expressed concern that timely action by the district authorities would have averted the loss and agony of the farmers. The collector has been asked to report compliance by next date of hearing.
