In a stern warning to district officials, Revenue Minister Shivpal Singh Yadav asked DMs and Commissioners to start distribution of relief package to farmers who had suffered losses due recent rains and hailstorm. He warned officials of action in case of any laxity and delay. Shivpal issued directives to officials through video conferencing here on Monday.
He added that farmers should get the money by March 27 at any cost. “If the distribution is delayed, DMs and Commissioners would be held responsible,” he said. He told officials if they were facing any problem in the disbursement of relief money, they should immediately inform their seniors. “Early disbursement of money is of paramount importance for farmers,” he said.
Directions were also given to carry out a survey to identify farmers who had lost 25 per cent to 49 per cent of their crop. A list of such farmers should be prepared and the same should be sent to the government immediately, he said. The state Government has so far released Rs200 crore for farmers who have lost their crop in the rains that lashed the state in first week of this month. The Government has also asked Rs500 crore as Central assistance to meet the target. The officials informed the Revenue Minister that they had received the relief amount and the same would be distributed among affected farmers in the next three days.