The Odisha unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) are in a tug-of-war over the number of Prime Minister Kissan Samman Nidhi Yojana beneficiaries.
When the yojana was launched for the first time, 9,73,860 farmers of the state received the financial benefit. In the subsequent phases, the number of beneficiaries kept changing. While 33 lakh beneficiaries received the benefit in the 11th phase, the number decreased to 23 lakh in the next phase.
At the same time, about 40,000 farmers are receiving the benefit under the state’s own Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) scheme.
This inconsistency in the number of farmers has provided the Opposition BJP a peg to hang its attack on the ruling BJD.
“It is a matter of great regret that farmers in Odisha are being deprived of the benefits of the Prime Minister Kissan Samman Nidhi Yojana. The number of farmers has reduced from 33 lakhs to 21 lakhs and then changed to 23 lakhs in the subsequent phases. The yojana is not being implemented properly. The Prime Minister is giving money to the state under many yojanas and the same should be utilized properly,” said state BJP President, Manmohan Samal.
In response, BJD MLA Umakanta Samantary said, “The BJP is only weaving stories. The state government has never ever tried to put the farmers in trouble. The BJP has no other role than to blame the state government.”
On the other hand, the Central government has made e-KYC mandatory for Prime Minister Kissan Samman Nidhi Yojana beneficiaries, leaving the farmers a dejected lot.
“This time, my name has been struck off. When enquired, I was told that my name has been struck off as KYC update has not been done. There are several others whose names have been removed due to the same reason,” rued Abhay Prasad Mishra, a farmer from Pipili.
“I am not getting any assistance money. When enquired, I was asked to update my bank passbook. I did that but I am yet to receive any money,” alleged Murali Choudhary, a farmer from Gunupur.
Prior to 2019 general elections, the state government had announced that a farmer would receive Rs 10,000 a year in two installments. But after the elections, the farmers are now receiving Rs 4,000 a year. As a result, resentment is brewing among the farmers.