Navanirman Krushak Sangathan (NKS) activists on Thursday tried to gherao the residence of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Minister Arun Sahoo here while protesting the alleged slashing of financial assistance under the KALIA scheme.
However, police took several agitators, including women activists, into custody to prevent any untoward incident.
Women the activists gheraoed the Minister’s residence, police pick up several agitators from the spot.
Notably, NKS national convenor Akshay Kumar has been on a fast-unto-death agitation opposing CM Naveen Patnaik’s decision to reduce KALIA assistance to Rs 4,000 per annum from Rs 10,000 for the last 14 days.
“Akshay Kumar has been on hunger strike for the last 14 days but the Government has remained silent towards our demands. We want the full KALIA assistance should be given to all eligible beneficiaries. CM Naveen Patnaik has cheated us after taking votes from us,” said an agitating members.
Protesters also alleged that so far only 25 per cent farmers of the targeted number have received KALIA assistance.
Earlier in December, the State Government had decided to reduce KALIA assistance while announcing its merger with the Centre’s Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN).
Senior BJP leader Prithviraj Harichandan said, “BJD government garnered votes by promising farmers to provide assistance under the KALIA scheme. Now it has reduced the amount to Rs 4,000. CM Naveen Patnaik should clarify whether the scheme is still alive or dead.”