The Rajya Nagarika Samaj gheraoed Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Minister Dr Damodar Rout’s official residence here on Saturday demanding a probe into the alleged bungling of funds meant for providing subsidies to farmers for undertaking vegetable and flower farming on modern methods.
As members of the organisation alleged, the AGM Classic Agricon had signed an MoU with the Agriculture Department to establish a Palli House at a cost of Rs 18 crore to provide quality vegetable and flower seeds to farmers of six districts at subsidised rates. But the project has not been established yet. Those farmers given subsides are not eligible ones.
They further alleged that horticulture officers and owners of the company have bungled the money. Hundreds of people from different sections moved in a rally from Shishu Bhawan Chhack to the Minister’s residence demanding action against the Government officials and owners of the company.
Among others, Nagarika Samaj convenor Prakash Rath, Aama Adjhikar convenor Amiya Pandab, Kshyatigrashta Akhuchasi Mahasanga president Bijay Nanda, Durniti Sangharsha Manch secretary Sudhir Mohanty, Basti Sangharsha Samiti president Pratap Sahoo and Manav Adhikar Protection president Indira Das led the agitation.
The Nagarika Samaj threatened to gherao the Naveen Nivas in coming days if their demands are not met.