Even as state government admitted that crop worth Rs 1000 cr was damaged in rain and hail storm that lashed Uttar Pradesh last week and demanded an immediate compensation of Rs 500 crore from the Centre, BSP said Akhilesh Government was not sensitive towards farmers’ plight and staged a walk out from the state assembly.
While replying to a debate on this issue Backward Development Minister Ambika Chaudhry said that state government was committed to provide all help to the farmers who lost their crop in the rains.
“Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has already announced an assistance of Rs 200 crore to the farmers. But prima facie the loss seems to be of the tune of Rs 1000 crore. This figure might go up as DMs and Commissioners have been asked to send their report at the earliest. Therefore, the state government has sent a help of Rs 500 crore from the centre,’ Chaudhry said here on Friday.
He said that Union Government has been asked to send its team at the earliest so that the exact loss of the crop can be evaluated. He also announced that the farmers who lost their lives in view of loss of their crops would be paid ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh.
“Ours is the government which works for the welfare of the farmers. Chief Minister did not wait for the opposition or the farmers to ask for compensation. He not only announced compensation but also deferred revenue realization,” Chaudhry said.
The debate was initiated by leader of Opposition Swamy Prasad Maurya who said at least 20 farmers committed suicide after their crop was destroyed in the rain. Twenty two districts were affected by this rain which destroyed wheat, potato, mustard and pulses.
“A committee comprising members of this House should be constituted to assess the loss of the crop. We cannot rely on the figures supplied by the tehsildars and the SDMs,” Maurya said. BJP legislature party leader Suresh Khanna said that the compensation of Rs 200 crore announced by the Government is insufficient.
Basic Education Minister Ram Govind Chaudhry defended his government saying Chief Minister is sensitive towards farmers and he is committed to extend all help to the farmers. Not satisfied with the answer BSP members staged a walkout.