Odisha VAW suspended for asking bribe from cyclone ‘Dana’ affected farmers to facilitate govt assistance

A Village Agriculture Worker (VAW) in Bhatapada panchayat under Chandbali block in Bhadrak district was placed under suspension for demanding bribe from farmers affected by Cyclone ‘Dana’ to facilitate them with government assistance. 

The Chief District Agriculture Officer placed the VAW, identified as Bhagabati Kisan, under suspension after a video of her demanding bribe went viral on social media platforms.

“Whereas a disciplinary proceeding is contemplated for acceptance of an undue advantage in order to perform a public duty and in the exercise of powers conferred under Rule 12(i)(a) of Orissa Civil Service (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rule, 1962, Smt. Bhagabati Kisan, village agriculture worker, Bhatapada circle of Chandbali block is hereby placed under suspension with immediate effect,” read the suspension letter.

Also Read: Cyclone Dana: VAW asks bribe from farmers in Bhadrak to facilitate govt assistance for crop loss, video goes viral

“During the period of suspension, the headquarters of Smt. Bhagabati Kisan, village agriculture worker is fixed at 0/o the agriculture District officer, Dhamnagar. She shall not leave headquarters without prior permission of the competent authority,” it further added.

“Subsistence Allowance @50% of pay or half average pay with usual D.A as admissible under Rule 90 of Orissa Service Code is sanctioned for a period of 06 (six) months or till her reinstatement whichever is earlier. The payment is S.A is subject to the fulfillment of the conditions as laid down under Rule-90 (2) of Orissa Service Code,” it concluded.

According to sources, Odisha government has announced Rs 8,500 per hectare to the farmers for the damage inflicted by Cyclone Dana. However, Kisan demanded Rs 500 per hectare and Rs 300 per acre from the farmers to sanction the assistance.