Several farmers of Nimina and Mala Tentulia Babharadar in Polsara block have alleged that they had supplied paddy to Om Rice Mill through Markfed, but they have not got their dues for the last sixteen months.
The concerned farmers had informed the Ganjam district Collector, the Civil Supply Officer and the State Government about the matter. later, they held a dharna before the block office but unfortunately even after 16 months their dues have not been paid.
However, it is alleged that the BDO and the Civil Supplies Officer have colluded with the rice mill owner and turned a blind eye to the matter. Earlier, based on the farmers’ complaints the Chhatrapur Assistant CSO investigated into the matter and said that it is true that the farmers have not got their dues. However, after the farmers held a dharna before the block office and threatened to commit suicide, the BDO and the CSO assured payment of their dues but till now they have not been paid.
Meanwhile, a local organisation Odisha Chashi Surakhsa Abhijan has demanded action against the concerned officials.
The Collector had issued directions to the concerned officials to take necessary action but still the officials ignored his instructions. Criminal proceedings should be initiated against the mill owner Santosh Kumar Dash and the officials for embezzling the farmers money, demanded Abhijan’s convenor Rabi Rath.