Farmers gherao panchayat office alleging irregularities in KALIA scheme

Balasore: Farmers gheraoed the Rasalpur panchayat office in Balasore district today alleging irregularities in distribution of cash benefits under KALIA scheme. The agitated farmers even detained the nodal officer, Ramachandra Dhal inside his office.

As per the allegations made by the farmers, two to three persons from a single family are receiving benefits while eligible beneficiaries are being left out. Most of the eligible beneficiaries under KALIA are not receiving any benefits, they alleged. The agitating farmers demanded inclusion of names of eligible persons in the list of KALIA beneficiaries.

"We haven't received financial assistance provided by the Odisha government under the KALIA scheme. There are families who have received assistance in the names of two to three persons. Is the government really going to pay us or the whole thing is a farce? " asked Jaladhar Jena, a farmer.

Ramachandra Dhal, Nodal officer of the district said "The farmers gheraoed the office asking why they have not received financial assistance under KALIA. There might be some glitches related to Aadhar verification or it could be a bank account -related problem. The higher authorities can clarify."